Synthesis by anodisation method, characterization by SEM and EDS, and degradable ability of TiO2 nanotubes

Obtaining of TiO₂ nanotubes could be performed by anodized Ti in fluoride based electrolyte. During the growth of TiO₂ nanotubes within the influence of anodizing process of Ti, a certain parameters are required, electrolyte composition, voltage, and time. The TiO₂ nanotube array was synthesized electrochemically in a fluoride containing electrolyte by anodisation method of a pure titanium plate. The anodisation procedure was carried out in ethylene glycol electrolyte; the applied voltage was 60 volt. The average inner diameter of the nanotube was (67 nm) and the average outer diameter was (80 nm). Characterization of the nanotubes crystal structure, morphology, and oxide composition were performed via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). Elemental analysis by EDS shows the presence of fluoride, and confirm the formation of TiO₂ nanotubes. The results show the possibility of study the distribution of the composition of the tubes elements using the scanning electron microscope-mapping. Synthesized TiO₂ nanotubes were applied for the degradation of organic dye methylene blue as water dye pollutant. It is found that rate of degradation of MB in presence of TiO₂ nanotubes was greater than in case of degradation without TiO₂ nanotubes. It is clear that the main reason for this behavior belongs to the high surface area of TiO₂ nanotubes. For (5) ppm of methylene blue, the degradation in presence of TiO₂ nanotubes has done completely after (5 hours) (paper)