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.