Enhancing the Electrochemical Performance of TiO2/Ti Electrodes through Sulphur Calchogenic Material Doping

The study involves the successful synthesis of TiO2/Ti electrodes through the utilisation of an anodizing method coupled with a sulphur doping process. The primary objective of this investigation pertains to the fabrication of both TiO2/Ti and S-TiO2/Ti composites followed by a comparative assessment of their electrochemical performance. The sulphur doping procedure applied to the TiO2/Ti substrate is accomplished via a dip-coating method employing H2SO4 as the sulphur source. Analysis via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) of the TiO2/Ti electrodes reveals the presence of anatase TiO2 peaks. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) data indicates the incorporation of sulphur onto the TiO2/Ti surface, with a sulphur content of approximately 5.11%, corroborated by discernible energy peaks at 0.2 keV, 2.35 keV and 2.49 keV. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) characterization identifies the existence of S-O functional groups at wave numbers 1153 cm-1 and 1116 cm-1, in addition to Ti-O groups at 1039 cm-1. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imagery illustrates the TiO2/Ti configuration in the form of nanotubes. Subsequent to conducting light current response tests via Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), it is evident that the TiO2/Ti electrode exhibits activity under ultraviolet (UV) illumination, while the S-TiO2/Ti electrode demonstrates reactivity under visible light conditions. These findings underscore the potential applications of these synthesized materials in the realm of solar cell technology and electrochemical sensors.