Photoelectrocatalytic activity for water treatment of TiO₂/Ti electrodes prepared by anodization

Abstract

TiO₂ electrodes are made by anodization of Ti at various applied voltages. The increase of voltage facilitates the generation of anatase and rutile at high potential (superior to 140 V). Photoelectrochemical properties of prepared electrodes are investigated with and without methanol. TiO₂/Ti electrode obtained at 140 V presents high photoelectrochemical properties. The electrode presents better separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, high photocurrent and easy charge transfer. The reaction of adsorbed methanol with generated holes increases the photocurrent. When the electrode is anodically biased (application of 1 to 2 V), the photocurrent increases with increased methanol concentration and at alkaline pH.