Iron decorated tungsten-titania nanotubes as highly efficient photocatalysts for removal of Rhodamine B dye

摘要

Iron-decorated tungsten-titania nanotubes (Fe/ WTNs) were synthesized by using electrochemical anodizing in combination with chemical bath deposition. The morphology, crystal phase, chemical composition and photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples were evaluated using various characterization techniques. Results showed that tungsten-titania (WTNs) films have nan-otubular morphology that their average pore diameters are 70-100 nm. Iron was successfully anchored on these nanotubes, which enhanced the photocatalytic activity of these samples, as indicated by the efficient removal of Rhodamine B. The sample Fe/WTNs2 exhibited better photocatalytic activity than other samples. Also these photocatalysts could be recycled several times without significant loss of its activity. Since Fe/WTNs electrodes can be easily removed and replaced after the photocatalytic reaction, avoiding the filtration step after photoreaction or the immobilizing process required for photocatalyst particles, the operation in the photo-reactor becomes much easier from an engineering point of view.