Dopant influence on the photo-catalytic activity of TiO2 films prepared by micro-plasma oxidation method

Mesoporous titanium dioxide films were fabricated on titanium plates by the micro-plasma oxidation method. To increase the photo-catalytic activity of the films, Eu(NO3)3 of different concentrations were added to the H2SO4 electrolyte solution. Eu incorporation was found in the porous titania films. Furthermore, Na2SiO3 of different concentrations was also added to the electrolyte solution, which led to Si incorporation into the film as well. A model textile industry pollutant (Rhodamine B) was used to study the photo-catalytic properties of the modified films. The photo-catalytic activity of these films turned out to be improved by the additives to the electrolyte solution. The enhanced photo-catalytic activity might result from (i) the increased porosity, producing more reactive sites to absorb and oxide pollutants; (ii) electron trapping at Eu sites suppressing the e−/h+ pair recombination, therefore, improving the photo-catalytic processes.

Graphical abstractMesoporous titanium dioxide films were fabricated on titanium plates by the micro-plasma oxidation method. To increase the photo-catalytic activity of the films, Eu(NO3)3 and Na2SiO3 were added to the electrolyte solution. The photo-catalytic activity of these films turned out to be improved by the additives to the electrolyte solution. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide