Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity of molybdenum, iron, and nitrogen triple-doped titania nanopowders

A novel Mo, Fe, and N triple-doped rutile TiO2 nanopowder was synthesized with simple HNO3 assisted hydrothermal treatment. Powders synthesized were characterized by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis techniques. Mo doping initiated the formation of a structure composed of a mixture of anatase and rutile with some modifications in morphology; but Mo, Fe, and N triple-doped titania powders are composed of entirely rutile structures. XPS analysis confirmed that Mo dissolved in the structure, replacing Ti atoms and forming some MoO3 partially crystallized nano regions on the surface. Existence of Fe in the TiO2 crystal lattice was confirmed by ICP analysis. Fe doping had an influence on the crystal structure and morphology. N was found to be dissolved in the co-doped structure by HNO3 catalyzer autogenously. Methylene blue degradation testing and band gap measurements were performed by using UV-vis photospectroscopy and diffuse reflector apparatus in order to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the powders. Dopant elements decreased band gap energy steadily. An enhanced photoactivity was reached by Mo, Fe, and N triple-doping as compared with that of undoped, and mono doped TiO2 powders under UV-light irradiation. Possible reasons for the enhancement in photocatalytic activity are outlined.