Abstract
Low-content chromium (Cr) doped titania nanotubes were grown by electrochemical anodization of Ti-Cr alloys in ethylene glycol electrolyte at varying time of anodisation to control the length of the tubes. Surface properties and photocurrent response of anodized layers after annealing at 450-750 degrees C were evaluated. Nanotubes with 0.02 at% Cr doping activated at 450 degrees C show a considerably increased photocurrent in comparison to pure anatase titania. This photocurrent increase of the Cr doped titania nanotubes is ascribed to higher anatase crystallinity and lower photoelectrochemical recombination losses. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.