Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of NiO-doped TiO 2 nanotubes prepared by an impregnation–calcination method

• Published in: Journal of chemical research 2021-11, Vol.45 (11-12), p.1076-1082
• Main Authors: Wang, Xueqin, Dai, Man, Chen, Qihui, Cheng, Kai, Xu, Helong, Zhang, Jiaojing, Song, Hua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1747-5198; 2047-6507
• DOI: 10.1177/17475198211056285

To improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 , a series of NiO–TiO 2 nanotubes (NTbs) is prepared by impregnating TiO 2 nanotubes in a solution of NiCl 2 ·6H 2 O at different concentrations. Self-organized TiO 2 nanotubes are prepared by a two-step anodization process. Scanning electron microscopy images show that large particle agglomerates are formed for higher precursor concentrations, and X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy results indicate that the atomic percentages of Ni in the NiO–TiO 2 NTbs prepared with precursor concentrations of 100 and 300 mM are 1.95% and 4.23%, respectively. Electronic lifetime measurements show that the recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs is lower for NiO–TiO 2 NTbs compared to that of TiO 2 . Specifically, the recombination rate of the sample prepared at 50 mM is the lowest, which is associated with the longest electron lifetime. Compared to unmodified TiO 2 nanotubes, NiO–TiO 2 NTbs exhibit improved results for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B.