Photoelectrochemical Properties of NaTaO3 Microrods Prepared by Anodization

Abstract

In this work, sodium tantalate (NaTaO3) microrods were successfully prepared by anodic oxidation of tantalum in 30% NaOH electrolyte. The morphology and structure of microrods were characterized by scanning electronic microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. SEM analysis shows the formation of microrods with an average length of 12.8 μm and a diameter of 2.3 μm. XRD analysis reveals that the as-prepared microrods are amorphous. After annealing in nitrogen at 800 °C, the amorphous NaTaO3 microrods transform into orthorhombic structure. Experimental results indicate that the microrods have a high photoelectrochemical property. The possible formation mechanism of NaTaO3 microrods has also been discussed.