Synthesis and characterization of Fe,S-codoped TiO2 nanoparticles: Application in degradation of organic water pollutants

A novel iron and sulfur co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by modified sol–gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide, Fe(NO3)3.9H2O and thiourea as precursors. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, DRS and FT-IR analysis. XRD results showed that Titania and Fe,S-codoped TiO2 nanoparticles calcined at 500 °C only contained anatase phase. Fe2O3 crystallites appear as the doping content with 5.0 mol%. SEM analysis revealed the doping of Fe and S does not leave any change in the morphology of the catalyst surface. DRS data showed a red shift in absorption edge of samples and with increasing Fe content, absorption increases in visible region. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) solutions under the UV and visible irradiation. The results show 2% Fe,S-codoped TiO2 nanoparticles have higher activity than other samples under visible light. Under the UV light, undoped and 5% Fe,S-codoped TiO2 are the best catalysts for MB and MO solutions, respectively. Because of synergetic effect of S and Fe, Fe,S-codoped TiO2 catalyst has higher activity than undoped TiO2 and Fe or S doped TiO2.

A novel iron and sulfur co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by modified sol–gel method and characterized. The photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange and methylene blue solutions was evaluated.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Preparation of Fe,S codoped nanocatalysts from low cost precursors (size 8–11 nm).
► Characterization by XRD, DRS, SEM, TEM, FT-IR techniques.
► Dopants suppress the growth of TiO2 grains thereby increase their surface area.
► Photocatalytic activity enhancement suitable for visible solar irradiation.
► Higher photocatalytic activity in 2% Fe, 0.05% S-codoped TiO2 nanoparticles.