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Flow-through Gas Phase Photocatalysis Using TiO2 Nanotubes on Wirelessly Anodized 3D-Printed TiNb Meshes
Hanna Sopha1,2, Adelia Kashimbetova2, Michal Baudys3
1Center of Materials and Nanotechnologies, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Nam. Cs. Legii 565, 53002 Pardubice, Czech Republic.
Nano Letters
|July 12, 2023
Summary
This study introduces novel 3D titanium-niobium (Ti-Nb) meshes for photocatalytic applications. Low-concentration niobium-doped titanium dioxide nanotube layers on these meshes efficiently degrade acetaldehyde.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Developing robust and efficient materials for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants is crucial for environmental remediation.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes are promising photocatalysts, but their efficiency can be limited by charge carrier recombination.
- Doping TiO2 with elements like niobium (Nb) can potentially enhance photocatalytic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate 3D Ti-Nb alloy meshes using direct ink writing for robust structural support.
- To create niobium-doped TiO2 nanotube (Nb-TNT) layers on these meshes via wireless anodization.
- To evaluate the photocatalytic performance of Nb-TNT layers in degrading acetaldehyde in a flow-through system.
Main Methods:
- Direct ink writing (DIW) was used to produce 3D Ti-Nb meshes with varying Nb compositions (Ti, Ti-1Nb, Ti-5Nb, Ti-10Nb).
- Wireless anodization employing bipolar electrochemistry was performed to form Nb-doped TNT layers on the meshes.
- Photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde was assessed in a custom-built flow-through reactor adhering to ISO standards.
Main Results:
- The 3D Ti-Nb meshes exhibited high compressive strength, suitable for flow-through reactor applications.
- Nb-doped TNT layers were successfully synthesized on the Ti-Nb meshes.
- Nb-doped TNT layers with low Nb concentrations demonstrated superior photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde compared to undoped TNT.
- High Nb concentrations resulted in increased recombination centers, reducing photocatalytic efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Direct ink writing is an effective method for fabricating robust 3D Ti-Nb meshes for advanced applications.
- Niobium doping in TiO2 nanotubes can significantly enhance photocatalytic activity for acetaldehyde degradation, with an optimal low concentration range.
- These Nb-doped TNT/Ti-Nb mesh structures show great potential for use in efficient flow-through photocatalytic systems.
