Solvent-controlled formation and photoelectrochemical sensing properties of 3-dimensional TiO2 nanostructures

A solvothermal method for growing 3-dimensional (3D) nanostructured TiO2 films with different morphologies is presented. Nanofibers, nanograss, nanoleaves, and nanoflowers in anatase phase have been successfully fabricated just by adjusting the ratio of solvents. The effects of the solvent on the morphologies of the TiO2 nanostructures are investigated and the formation mechanism is proposed. Photoelectrochemical measurements are used to characterize the photoelectrocatalytic properties. Organic sensing properties based on the catalytic activity are also evaluated by referring to the steady-state photocurrent resulted from photoelectrocatalysis of organic compounds.