Structural transformation, photocatalytic, and field-emission properties of ridged TiO2 nanotubes

Self-organized, freestanding TiO(2) nanotube arrays with ridged structures have been fabricated using a one-step anodic oxidation method. Their structural, photocatalytic, and field-emission (FE) properties have systematically been investigated. The as-synthesized nanostructures have been characterized using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and HRTEM. The experimental results show that after an annealing process, the starting amorphous nanotubes have been turned into anatase phase structures, and the tube walls have been decorated with nanoparticles, different from the original ridged nanotubes. Furthermore, the anatase phase nanotubes have demonstrated better photocatalytic properties than their amorphous counterparts, which is caused by the larger surface area and improved crystallinity. With respect to FE properties, the as-grown nanotubes have the lower turn-on field E(to) and the higher field enhancement factor β compared to the annealed nanotubes. The relationship between E(to), β, and the tube arrangements and morphologies has also been discussed.