Visible light active photocatalyst: Hydrothermal green synthesized TiO2 NPs for degradation of picric acid

Recent research on photocatalytic activities has been investigated using visible light region rather consuming ultraviolet region. In this Paper, a facile and eco-friendly method was developed to the synthesis of TiO2 NPs using Aloe Vera gel (AV-TiO2). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, XPS, HRTEM, EDAX and Raman spectroscopy. The sharp peaks by XRD pattern show the crystallinity and purity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The shape and morphology were studied by HR-TEM images and confirms the NPs size which falls in the range from 6 to 13 nm. Raman spectrum and XPS shows the energy modes and oxidation state of synthesized TiO2 NPs. TiO2-mediated photo-degradation of trinitrophenol (Picric acid- PA) irradiated by visible light source has also been investigated.