Formation of TiO2 nanotubes via anodization and potential applications for photocatalysts, biomedical materials, and photoelectrochemical cell

One-dimensional nanotube systems with high surface-to-volume ratios possess unique properties and are thus utilized in various applications. In this study, self-organized TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by anodization of a Ti foil in glycerol containing 5 wt% ammonium fluoride (NH4F) and 6 wt% ethylene glycol (EG). The surface morphology, average inner diameter, and average length of the nanotubes varied with the electrochemical anodization parameters. Nanotubes with uniform surface morphologies, an average diameter of 85 nm, and an average length of 1.1 μm were obtained at 30 V for 1 h. The as-prepared nanotubes were amorphous but they crystallized in the anatase phase after heating at about 400 °C for 2 h in an argon atmosphere. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 nanotubes was evaluated through the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and by investigating their bactericidal effect. Optimum photocatalysis of MO was achieved at a kinetic rate constant of 10 3 min 1 . Furthermore, cell viability rapidly decreased on UV illumination and complete killing was achieved at 60 min in the presence of TiO2 nanotubes. For biomedical applications, the cellular activity on TiO2 nanotubes was determined using PA6 cells. Higher cellular activities were achieved using the anatase phase of 85-nm-diameter nanotubes than the amorphous phase. Photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation was investigated using nanotube photoanodes in 1 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) containing 1 wt% EG and xenon lamp. The maximum photocurrent density was 0.55 mA/cm 2 . These findings demonstrate that TiO2 nanotubes are promising for use in multifunctional applications.