Photo-induced catalytic properties of titanium dioxide

Abstract

TiO2 photocatalysis is a well-established technique for environmental remediation and energy conversion applications. In this study, we investigate the influence of varying the pH of a methylene blue (MB) solution and the concentration of titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) precursor on the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 synthesized via the hydrothermal method. Through a systematic variation of the pH of the MB solution and the concentration of TTIP, we explore their effects on the structural, morphological, and photocatalytic properties of TiO2. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques are utilized to characterize the crystal structure and morphology of the TiO2 nanoparticles. The specific surface area obtained from BET analysis provides valuable information about the porosity and texture of materials. It is particularly useful in characterizing materials with high surface area, such as catalysts, adsorbents, and porous solids. The band gap energy was assessed using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 samples is assessed by measuring the degradation of MB under UV irradiation. A Zeta Analyzer was utilized to measure the hydrodynamic size and zeta potential. Our results reveal that both pH and precursor concentration significantly influence the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2. Optimal conditions are determined to achieve enhanced photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, we observe that less concentration of the TTIP precursor promotes the formation of smaller TiO2 nanoparticles with higher surface area, resulting in improved photocatalytic performance. Nevertheless, an excessive precursor concentration can lead to particle aggregation, hampering the overall photocatalytic process. This study provides valuable insights into the tunability of TiO2 photocatalysis via the hydrothermal method by varying the pH of the MB solution and the concentration of the TTIP precursor. Understanding these parameters enables the optimization of TiO2 photocatalysts for specific applications, enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness. The findings contribute to the advancement of photocatalytic systems for environmental remediation and energy conversion, facilitating the development of sustainable and efficient technologies. Keywords: Photocatalysis, TiO2, Environmental Remediation, Water Purification, Organic Pollutants.