Modified-TiO2 nanotube arrays as a proficient photo-catalyst nanomaterial for energy and environmental applications

Abstract

Recently, TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TNTAs) have attracted researcher’s attention in the fields of energy production and environmental remediation applications; this is mainly due to their unique optoelectronic characteristics, corrosion resistance, chemical and mechanical stability. In this study, the ability of employing of TiO₂ nanotube arrays-based catalysts in the field of photocatalytic CO₂ reduction has been investigated. Possible modification strategies have been presented for improving the TNTAs performance by using different types of nanomaterials including graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C₃N₄), metalorganic frame work (MOF), reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The TNTAs composites were characterized using XRD and FESEM analyses and the results revealed the successful synthesis of these composites. The TNTAs and their composites exhibited good results for the photo-conversion of CO₂ into CH₄ gas product. This study gives new ideas for making and developing low-cost Ti metal-based nanomaterials which can be used in the future for recycling the CO₂ gas emissions into useful solar fuels.