Enhancement of Photochemical Activity of One Dimensional TiO₂ By Targeted Decoration of Transition Metals

The application of one-dimensional TiO₂ nanotubes is largely dependent on the photo-generation of electron-hole pairs (excitons) and the longevity of the excitons to conduct through the material. In this current research, the TiO₂ nanotubes are functionalized with different transition metals to extend the activity in visible range of the solar spectra. Two different approaches are followed to successfully decorate the nanotubes with the metal clusters: one pot alkaline hydrothermal approach is used to locate the metal clusters on the surface of the nanotube and metal complex solution is used to deposit within the lumen of the nanotubes. The specific location of the metals triggered specific optical and chemical properties as seen in UV-Vis, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. The new material shows excellent performance for visible light photocatalytic oxidation of refractory 2, 4 dichlorophenol (DCP) pollutant.