Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotubes doped with Ag nanoparticles

TiO2 nanotubes formed on the surface of commercially pure titanium were prepared by anodizing processing and were then heat-treated. The silver doping was processed with different molar concentration of AgNO3 aqueous solution. The silver-doped TiO2 nanotubes were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet visible near-infrared spectrophotometer and ampere-volts (I-V) curve system. The 20-100 nm Ag nanoparticles were well doped atop, inside, and between the nanotubes. The I-V curve of the TiO2 nanotubes increased with heat treatment temperature. The silver-doped TiO2 nanotubes with anatase plus rutile phases had better photocatalytic activity.