Photoelectrochemical Performance of Anodized Niobium for Hydrogen Production. J. Adamski, L. M. Antonini, T. V. Iser, M. R. O. Vega, C. Aguzzoli and C. F. Malfatti   2018/04/20

Abstract

Nanoporous oxide on valve metals has received incredible attention due to its high surface area. The most studied nanoporous oxide is TiO2; however niobium-based oxide presents electronic, textural and catalytic features similar to those of TiO2, with the advantage of Brazil having the biggest niobium reserve. Since the beginning of this century, anodization has emerged as one of the most effective techniques for the fabrication of functional nanoporous oxide. In this study we evaluated two anodization parameters: fluoride ion concentration in the electrolytic bath and heat treatment after anodization. The samples were analysed morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The structural characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction and the photoelectrochemical performance was monitored by photocurrent assay. The low fluoride concentration yielded an anodized niobium surface with morphology similar to nanotubes. Heat treatment induced the formation of Nb2O5 with a crystal structure compared to the non-treated samples, which were amorphous. The anodized niobium obtained in a bath with low fluoride concentration showed better photoelectrochemical performance compared to the anodized sample obtained in a bath with high fluoride concentration.

Authors and affiliations

J. Adamski(1), L. M. Antonini(1), T. V. Iser(1), M. R. O. Vega(1), C. Aguzzoli(2) and C. F. Malfatti(1)
1. LAPEC/PPGE3M, Department of Metallurgy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil)
2. Center of Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil

Key words

Anodization, niobium, Nb2O5, nanotubes, photoelectrochemical.

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