Enhanced photoactivity of neodymium doped mesoporous titania synthesized through aqueous sol-gel method

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology Vol. 43; no. 3; pp. 283 - 290
• Main Authors: BAIJU, K. V, PERIYAT, P, WUNDERLICH, W, KRISHNA PILLAI, P, MUKUNDAN, P, WARRIER, K. G. K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 01.09.2007; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anatase; Chemistry; Colloidal gels. Colloidal sols; Colloidal state and disperse state; Doping; Electron micrographs; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Methylene blue; Neodymium; Phase stability; Phase transitions; Photochemistry; Physical chemistry of induced reactions (with radiations, particles and ultrasonics); Pore size distribution; Porosity; Porous materials; Roasting; Sol-gel processes; Surface area; Surface stability; Titanium dioxide; Transformation temperature; Ultraviolet radiation; Anatase; Neodymium; Rutile; Photocatalysis; Sol-gel; Transition element compounds; Titania; Porous material; Photocatalyst; Mesoporosity; Anatase· Rutile; Sol gel process; Titanium oxide
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-007-1590-2

Nanosize neodymium doped titania has been prepared by hydrolysis of titanium oxychloride followed by peptisation under acidic condition. The anatase to rutile phase transformation temperature was found to increase by 150 °C as a result of neodymium doping. The doped sample shows 10 times higher surface area than the undoped one after calcining at 700 °C. All the samples calcined at 500, 600 and 700 °C show type IV isotherm, which is characteristic of mesoporous material. The pore size distribution curves also show that the pores are in mesoporous region. Further, the neodymium doped titania shows increased photoactivity than the undoped titania with respect to decomposition of methylene blue when subjected to UV light. The transmission electron micrograph indicates that a nanocrystalline doped titania is obtained through the present method. The effect of neodymium doping on the anatase phase stability, specific surface area and photoactivity are reported.