Linen fiber template-assisted preparation of TiO2 nanotubes: palladium nanoparticle coating and electrochemical applications

TiO2 nanotubes were fabricated from TiF4 precursors within the pore channels of the linen fiber templates, resulting in crystalline fabricated titanate nanotubes (f-TNTs) upon removal by calcination at 500–600 °C. The f-TNTs were formed by the aggregation of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter of 80 nm; the wall thickness and size of the f-TNTs can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of the TiF4 precursor, time, temperature, and the size of the linen fibers respectively. After that, palladium (Pd(0)) NPs were coated on the surface of the f-TNTs (Pd/f-TNTs) by the chemical reduction method, using NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The size of the Pd(0) NPs is about 10–13 nm. The Pd/f-TNT nanocomposite is systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The Pd/f-TNT nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrodes exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity as well as amperometric determination of hydrazine, ascorbic acid, and dopamine; these electrochemical applications were carried out by cyclic voltammetry.