Electrocatalytic characterization and dye degradation of Nano-TiO sub(2) electrode films fabricated by CVD

A 20-40nm anatase-titania film on a titanium electrode was fabricated using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The film was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The CVD deposition time and number of deposition coatings were evaluated to establish the appropriate film fabrication parameters. Results indicate that two coatings at a deposition time of 6h each produced the best nano-TiO sub(2) electrode films (NTEFs) with an even distribution of ca. 20nm diameter nanoparticles in the anatase lattice. The NTEF was tested as an electrocatalytic anode to investigate the degradation efficiency in treating methyl orange dye wastewater. A high removal efficiency of methyl orange dye and total organic carbon (TOC) of 97 and 56%, respectively; was achieved using a current density of 20mA cm super(-) super(2) for 160min. Cyclic voltammetry showed that the electrochemical degradation reaction rate at the NTEF surface was predominately driven by molecular diffusion. The electrocatalytic decomposition rate of organic pollutants at the NTEF is controlled by mass transport, which was associated with the nanostructure of the electrocatalytic electrode.