Synthesis, Characterization of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes, and their Application as an Adsorbent for Removing of Heavy Elements

The nanotubes were prepared by anodizing method. The anodization process was carried out using 60 volts between two titanium plates as electrodes, leaving a distance between the two electrodes 6.5 cm. The electrolyte contains (0.5 w/w NH4F, 2 w/w H2O, 5 w/w ethylene glycol). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the surface morphology of titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2). The SEM image shows that the prepared tubes are in the range (80-90 nm) in diameter. titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2) are used as effective adsorbents for water treatment. Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2) have been used in the adsorption of heavy metals polluting water such as lead and cadmium. The study showed that the longer nanotubes had higher adsorption rates, as the lead adsorption rate reached 94.11% and the cadmium adsorption rate reached 29.81%. Estimate the concentration of the elements before and after adsorption was examined by using a flame atomic absorption device.