Photocatalytic Activity of Titanium Dioxide Powder Fabricated from an Anodized Titanium Sheet under Ultra-Violet and Visible Light Irradiation

Abstract

A commercially pure titanium sheet with titanium carbide (TiC) precipitated in its surface layer was anodized in NH 4 NO 3 aqueous solution and heat treated in air. The photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide powder collected from the surface of the anodized titanium sheet was evaluated under ultra-violet and visible light irradiation. It showed relatively high photocatalytic activity in 0.1 mol/l potassium iodide solution, which was almost equal to the activity level of TiO 2 powder (P-25) manufactured by Degussa Corporation. The better photocatalytic activity under ultra-violet irradiation is considered to be related to the formation of anatase type titanium dioxide. Photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation was also observed, which was considered to be attributable to impurity doping, (carbon), in the titanium dioxide powder.

Photocatalytic behaviour of anodised titanium using different cathodes

“…The reason could lie in the contamination of the oxide by carbon, partly dissolved in the acid electrolyte used in anodising and could then be incorporated in the oxide during the growth process, therefore affecting its chemistry and, with it, its electronic properties. However, other authors stated that the impurity doping (carbon) probably improved photoactivity under visible light [32].…”

“…However, other authors stated that the impurity doping (carbon) probably improved photoactivity under visible light [32].…”