| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1490386 | Materials Research Bulletin | 2012 | 7 Pages |
Optimized synthesis of Ti-precursor ‘titanylnitrate’ for one step combustion synthesis of N- and C-doped TiO2 catalysts were reported and characterized by using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffused reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy, N2 adsorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD confirmed the formation of TiO2 anatase and nano-crystallite size which was further confirmed by TEM. UV-DRS confirmed the decrease in the band gap to less than 3.0 eV, which was assigned due to the presence of C and N in the framework of TiO2 as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under the direct sunlight was carried out and typical results indicated the better performance of the synthesized catalysts than Degussa P-25.
Graphical abstractEffect of oxidant on the combustion synthesis of TiO2 has been studied by preparing titanylnitrate in four different ways from Ti(IV) iso-propoxide. It is observed that oxidant preparation method has a significant effect on physico-chemical as well as photocatalytic properties of TiO2. All the catalysts showed excellent photocatalytic activity than Degussa P-25 under direct sunlight for the degradation of a textile dye (methylene blue), without the need of external light sources, oxygen supply and reactor systems.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Optimized synthesis of titanylnitrate. ► Influence of titanylnitrate synthesis on the physico-chemical properties of TiO2 prepared by combustion synthesis. ► Development of highly efficient TiO2 photocatalysts those are active under the direct sunlight in open atmosphere. ► Degradation of the textile dye (methylene blue) under direct sunlight.
