Synthesis of GO Loaded TiO2 Nanotubes Array by Anodic Oxidation for Efficient Detection of Organic Vapor

Abstract

The present study concerns the synthesis of highly ordered graphene oxide (GO) loaded TiO2 nanotubes array by the electrochemical anodization route. Structural and morphological characterizations of pure and GO loaded TiO2 nanotubes array were carried out by x-ray diffraction spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy study. Optical characterizations were performed with Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence study to explore the composition of both the TiO2 nanotubes array. A conductometric solid state vapor sensing device having sandwich-type structure (Au/TiO2 nanotubes/Ti) was fabricated by using both the pure and GO-loaded TiO2 nanotube array and tested towards reducing vapor like methanol. The response was double in case of GO loaded TiO2 nanotube array (40%) as compared to pure TiO2 nanotube array (20%) based sensor at room temperature (300 K). The overall study confirmed that electrical properties of the TiO2 nanotubes array were improved due to the GO incorporation while morphological parameters were intact.