Photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanostructures of different morphology modified with various modifiers

Synthesis of TiO2 nanotube coatings, nanoporous coatings, and nanofibres by using titanium anodizing, microplasma electrolytic oxidation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis in different regimes was studied. Optimal conditions for each of the methods for obtaining nanostructures were determined. The obtained TiO2 nanofibres and nanotube and nanoporous coatings were modified with Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, S, WO3, and Eu2O3, nanoparticles to improve photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. Photocatalytic properties of photocatalysts were tested by the degradation of methylene blue solution under the influence of ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. The obtained modified photocatalysts exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than pure TiO2 nanostructured photocatalysts. Properties of modified photocatalysts obtained with different methods are compared.