The effect of Reynolds number on TiO2 nanosponges doped with Li+ cations

Abstract

Anatase TiO₂ nanosponges have been synthesized by anodization of Ti, and Li⁺ cations have been inserted in these nanostructures. The influence of hydrodynamic conditions (Reynolds number, Re = 0 to Re = 600) during anodization has been studied. Li-Doped TiO₂ nanosponges were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman confocal microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott–Schottky analysis (M–S). The photoelectrochemical performance and resistance to photocorrosion were also measured. Li–TiO₂ nanosponges proved to be better photocatalysts for water splitting than Li–TiO₂ nanotubes. Moreover, the photoelectrochemical behavior of the Li-doped nanosponges improved as the Reynolds number increased.