Enhancing the capacitance of TiO2 nanotube arrays by a facile cathodic reduction process

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 239; pp. 128 - 131
• Main Authors: Zhou, He, Zhang, Yanrong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.10.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Capacitors. Resistors. Filters; Cathodic reduction; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Non-faradic capacitance; Supercapacitor; Titania nanotubes; Various equipment and components; Supercapacitor; Non-faradic capacitance; Titania nanotubes; Cathodic reduction; Chemical reduction; Titanium IV Oxides; Nanotube; Capacitance; Electrolytic capacitor; Titanium oxide; Electrochemical reaction; Titanium Oxides
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2013.03.114

TiO2 nanotube arrays are modified by a facile cathodic reduction process treatment and the results are discussed in terms of their electrochemical activity and conductivity. The instrumental characterizations such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy indicate that the formation of oxygen vacancies in the lattice and introduction of hydroxyl groups on the surface of TiO2 take place. The capacitance of the modified sample is found to be 13 times larger than the pristine TiO2 nanotube arrays. This work reveals a feasible and simple method to improve electrochemical activity and conductivity of TiO2 for supercapacitors application. •TiO2 nanotube arrays were modified by a facile cathodic reduction process.•Oxygen vacancies were formed and hydroxyls were introduced on the surface of TiO2.•The electrochemical activity and conductivity of modified sample were improved.•The modified sample showed much enhanced capacitance over the pristine one.