Radiation-induced synthesis of Fe-doped TiO2: Characterization and catalytic properties

Fe-doped TiO2 catalyst was prepared by wet impregnation, using TiO2 P25 Degussa as a precursor and Fe(NO3)3 as a dopant, followed by irradiation with an electron beam or γ-rays. Surface properties of Fe/TiO2 samples were examined by BET, XRD, ToF-SIMS, and TPR methods. The photocatalytic activity towards destruction of the anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), in aqueous solutions was higher for the irradiated Fe/TiO2 catalysts than for bare TiO2 P25 or that calcined at 500 °C. The results show that irradiated catalysts exhibit a more uniform texture with high dispersion of iron species. An enhancement of the activity of irradiated Fe/TiO2 systems can be attributed to the synergetic effects of small crystallite size and homogenous distribution of iron species including FeTiO3 phase.

► Radiation-induced synthesis of iron-doped titania.
► Fe(NO3)3 as promoter of TiO2 P25 Degussa.
► Decomposition of dodecylbenzenesulfonate in aqueous solutions.
► Higher photocatalytic activity of irradiated Fe/TiO2 catalysts than that of calcined at 500 °C.