Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 photocatalyst doped by transition metal ions (Fe3+, Cr3+ and V5+)

Anh Tuan Vu, Quoc Tuan Nguyen, Thi Hai Linh Bui, Manh Cuong Tran, Tuyet Phuong Dang and Thi Kim Hoa Tran

Abstract

Nano TiO₂ was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The sample was doped with transition metal ions (V, Cr and Fe) and non-metal (N). Doped TiO₂ samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Photocatalytic activity in the mineralization of xylene (vapor phase), methylene blue and active dyer PR (liquid phase) was tested. In comparison with non-doped TiO₂, V-, Cr-, Fe-doped TiO₂ and N-doped TiO₂ samples exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity using visible light instead of UV.