Photocatalytic Properties of TiO[sub 2] Nanostructures Fabricated by Means of Glancing Angle Deposition and Anodization

Abstract

Structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of various nanostructures prepared by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) and by electrochemical anodic oxidation of Ti have been studied. The nanorods were prepared on unheated glass substrates by using reactive sputtering of Ti in the GLAD regime. nanotubes and brush-type nanostructures were fabricated by anodic oxidation of flat Ti films and Ti nanorods prepared by GLAD, respectively. The optical studies revealed that the nanotubes and brush-type nanostructures possess antireflection properties. The photocatalytic activity of nanostructures was characterized by following decomposition of isopropanol under visible and UV light irradiation and found to be significantly higher in nanostructured samples than in their flat counterparts. Also, nanotubes and brush-type nanostructures showed superior photocatalytic activity in comparison with nanorods due to a significantly higher specific surface area.