Anatase nanotubes synthesized by a template method and their application as a green photocatalyst

Anatase nanotubes were synthesized by a template method from four different titanium precursors. Anodized aluminium oxide membranes with a 200-nm pore diameter were used as templates. The resulting nanostructures were characterized by electron microscopies, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption. Their photoactivities towards methylene blue dye decomposition were measured and compared with commercial anatase powder (Aldrich, >99%, −325 mesh). Anatase nanotubes obtained from Ti isopropoxide exhibited the longest hollow tubular structures with less amorphous material and the highest surface area, 56 m2 g−1. Despite TiO2 nanotubes showing lower photocatalytic activity than commercial anatase, the possibility of their recovery through several cycles and the feasibility of their utilization in continuous cycling processing make them potential materials of interest in green chemistry.