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Repozytorium publikacji
Politechniki Gdańskiej

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Optimization of boron-doping process of titania nanotubes via electrochemical method toward enhanced photoactivity

In this work, we were focused on the development of the electrochemical approach resulting in a stable boron doping of titania nanotubes. The doping procedure concerns anodic polarization of as-anodized titania in a H3BO3 solution acting as n boron precursor. The series of attempts were taken in order to elaborate the most beneficial doping conditions. The parameters of electrochemical doping allowing to obtain boron-doped titania characterized by the highest photoconversion efficiency are as follows: reaction voltage 1.8 V, process duration 0.5 h, and the concentration of boric acid 0.5 M. Spectroscopy techniques such as UV-vis, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence emission, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the absorbance capability and the crystalline phase, to confirm the presence of boron atoms and to study the nature of chemical compounds, respectively. The well-ordered structure of titania and resistance of its morphology toward electrochemical treatment in H3BO3 were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images. However, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies showed the significant difference in conductivity and capacitance between doped and pristine titania. Moreover, the photocurrent densities of the B-doped sample were about seven times higher in comparison with those generated by the pure titania nanotube electrode.

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