Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue by Tin and Indium doped Sol-Gel Reflux Synthesized Titania

Abstract

Titania has been most widely used for photocatalytic degradtion study of organic pollutants due to its cost effectiveness, inert nature and photo-stability. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder was synthesized via sol-gel refluxing using titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) as precursor. TiO2 powder was doped with varying concentrations of tin and indium. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed the particle size between 12-22nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman confirmed the formation of phase pure nanocrystalline anatase. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of Ti-O-Ti bonding. Surface area analysis was done via Brunauer Emett Teller (BET) analysis. Finally UV-Vis spectroscopy was used for optical characterizations. Photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue was investigated under ultraviolet irradiation for 8 hours. The higher photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue solution was achieved with Tin doped titania than indium doped or pure titania.