Effects of ultrasonic irradiation on preparation of titanium dioxide photocatalyst by anodic oxidation method

Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO2 photocatalyst was fabricated by anodic oxidation on pure titanium in an electrolyte of a sulfuric acid, and effect of ultrasonic irradiation during anodic oxidation was explored. It was found that ultrasonic irradiation increased crystallinity of the anodic oxide. The hydrophilicity of the as-anodized oxide was improved by applying ultrasonic irradiation, and it is similar to that of the annealed oxide without applying ultrasonic irradiation. In contrast, the photoactivity of the as-anodized oxide was not altered by applying ultrasonic irradiation. © 2009 The Japan Institute of Metals.