TiO2-based nanotubes modified with nickel: synthesis, properties, and improved photocatalytic activity

Titanate nanotubes containing 2.5 wt% Ni were synthesized from TiO2 sol using alkali hydrothermal treatment followed by a simple ion-exchange process. The changes in phase, shape and morphology, surface area, and photocatalytic activity of these nanotubes have been explored as a function of calcination temperature. The samples were characterized using standard techniques, including x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and Brauner-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis. The study revealed that the titanate phase containing Ni ions can be converted to the anatase phase after certain heat treatments but, at the same time, the tubular morphology was partially lost. Investigation of photocatalytic properties demonstrated that the as-prepared Ni-titanate nanotubes were photocatalytically inactive, but when heated at temperatures below 500 degrees C their activity was significantly enhanced with the change in phase. The calcined nanotube samples carrying nickel ion showed better photocatalytic activity than calcined nanotube samples containing protons. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of these titanates has also been measured, and it was found that Ni-titanate nanotubes can adsorb more hydrogen than its counterpart Na-titanate.