Photocurrent enhancement on TiO2 nanotubes co-modified by N+ implantation and combustion of graphene

Abstract Nitrogen ions doped TiO 2 nanotubes (N-TNTs) were synthesized via ion implantation and anodization. Graphene was deposited on the surface of N-TNTs during anodization. After being annealed at the temperature of 450 °C, the samples were determined using FE-SEM, XRD, XPS, and UV–Vis DRS. The photoelectric performance of the samples was confirmed by transient photocurrent. The results indicated that morphology and structure of N-TNTs were improved due to ion implantation. Because of the combustion of deposited graphene during the annealing process, the degree of crystallinity of N-TNTs was improved, and the contents of substitutional N increased. The TNTs modified by ion implantation and combustion of graphene exhibited the best photoelectric performance.