Photocatalytic activity of Li-doped TiO2 nanoparticles: Synthesis via ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal route

•TiO2: Li nanoparticles were synthesized via an ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal method.•The doping of Li to anatase TiO2 affects the properties of the resultant product.•TiO2: Li nanoparticles were used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of dye.•TiO2: Li nanoparticles were used as sensor, and antibacterial agent.•TiO2: Li were used as reducing agent for the reduction of Cr6+ to Cr3+.

We have proposed a simple one pot synthesis of lithium-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2:Li) via an ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal method and their potential use as a photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dye, as well as the reduction of toxic Cr6+ to non toxic Cr3+. The structure of TiO2:Li nanoparticles was examined by XRD, FTIR, XPS, Raman, UV–vis, Photoluminescence spectroscopy and morphology by SEM and TEM. The incorporation of Li into anatase-phase TiO2 affected the optical properties of the resultant TiO2 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2:Li nanoparticles was determined by degradation of trypan blue. Degradation studies showed improved photocatalytic activity of TiO2:Li nanoparticles compared to TiO2 nanoparticles and bulk TiO2. TiO2:Li nanoparticles also functioned as a detoxification agent which was confirmed by the reduction of Cr6+ to Cr3+.

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