Hydrothermal synthesis of nanosized (Fe, Co, Ni)-TiO2 for enhanced visible light photosensitive applications

Nanosized TiO2 and various transition metal ions (Fe, Co and Ni) doped TiO2 were prepared through hydrothermal method. Thermal analysis confirms the formation of crystalline TiO2. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns of all the materials show crystalline anatase TiO2 with crystallite size in the range of 22-23 nm. Raman spectra show respective modes corresponding to anatase TiO2 and also it coincides with the XRD data. The DR UV-vis spectra of 0.01 (Fe-, Co-, Ni)-TiO2 extends to the visible region (450-650 nm). The extended absorbance of these materials into the visible region provides enhanced photosensitive applications under sunlight. The degradation rate of Methylene blue (MB) was used to evaluate the photosensitive activity under visible light irradiation. Results suggest that 0.01Fe- TiO2, 0.01Co- TiO2 and 0.01Ni-TiO2 materials can potential be used for the generation of future fuel hydrogen by water splitting using solar radiation.