Preparation of visible-light responsive P-F-codoped TiO2 nanotubes

Fabrication of P-F-codoped TiO(2) nanotubes was carried out using a one-step electrochemical anodization process by tailoring the composition of the electrolyte with the aim of P-F-codoping to extend the optical absorption of TiO(2) to the visible-light region. The as-prepared P-F-codoped TiO(2) nanotubes were characterized by SEM, XPS, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance absorption spectra ( DRS). The results showed that the tube diameter of the nanotubes was approximately 100 nm and the tube length was approximately 510 nm. The phosphorus and fluorine were successfully doped into TiO(2) nanotubes, as evidenced by XPS. Moreover, the P-F-codoped samples displayed remarkably strong visible-light response. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.