Phase structure of W-doped nano-TiO2 produced by sol-gel method

With Ti(OBu)4 as precursor, and HAc as complexing agent, pure and W-doped TiO2 gelatins were prepared by a sol-gel method. During the process of gel formation, metal ions were dispersed in the porous TiO2 matrix. Then, powders of nano-TiO2 and W-doped nano-TiO2 were prepared by drying, grinding and heat treatment at different temperatures. The grain size and structure of the samples, pure TiO2 and W-doped, and treated at different temperatures, were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Beckman Coulter Sorption Analysis and TEM. Results showed that, with increasing temperature, the TiO2 transformed from anatase to rutile and the grain size increased. This transformation and grain growth of TiO2 could be retarded by doping with W.