Green synthesis of S-doped rod shaped anatase TiO2 microstructures

• Simple synthesis of S-doped TiO2 Microstructures (s-TMS) using TiOSO4 .
• Sulphate ion produced during the reactions acts as source for S-doping.
• Pure anatase phase was obtained even in acidic environment due to Sulphate ion interference.
• Multiple band light trapping was observed in UV, Visible and NIR regions for S-TMS.

A simple eco-friendly, direct self assembly process for synthesizing sulphur doped titanium dioxide microrod structures (S-TMS) is presented. Without any specific precursor for sulphur doping, ultrasonicating TiOSO4 in aqueous media followed by refluxing results in the formation of S-TMS. Sulphate ions produced during the reaction act as a source for sulphur doping. In spite of the acidic pH during the reaction, pure anatase phase was favoured due to the increased availability of sulphate ions acting as phase specific directing agent. Pure anatase phase was confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction studies (XRD). Formation of S-TMS with a microrod containing self-assembled nanorods was evidenced from field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The obtained S-TMS revealed multiple band light trapping property in visible, near infrared and ultraviolet region which was evidence from UV–vis-NIR spectroscopy.

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