Air plasma-treated titanium dioxide nanotubes for enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties

Abstract

This study is committed to enhancing the photoresponse efficiency of titanium dioxide (TiO) nanotubes through meticulous fabrication and optimization, focusing on using air plasma treatment. Various parameters, including oxidation voltage, concentration of ammonium fluoride (NHF), and reaction time, exert considerable influence over the structural integrity and dimensions of the TiO nanotubes. The photoresponse characteristics of TiO nanotubes prepared at different reaction conditions under UVC light irradiation exhibited the critical role of morphology in enhancing photoresponse performance. Introducing cost-effective air plasma treatment can enhance surface defects and charge transfer efficiency, thereby improving photoresponse efficiency without damaging TiO nanotubes. Furthermore, the enhanced photocatalytic performance of air plasma-treated TiO nanotubes was studied under crystal violet degradation, and the results showed significantly improved efficiency compared to TiO nanotubes. These findings suggest that the synergistic optimization of fabrication processes and the incorporation of air plasma treatment contribute substantially to developing TiO nanotubes endowed with superior photoresponsive characteristics. The implications of this advancement extend to promising applications in environmental remediation and advanced photocatalysis.