Synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and effect of cobalt doped TiO2 nanoparticle catalyst prepared by sol-gel method

Abstract

Anatase TiO2 and Co doped TiO2 were prepared through sol-gel method. Powder XRD pattern confirms the formation of crystalline anatase TiO2 and amorphous Co-TiO2. DR UV-Vis absorbance shows that band gap of TiO2 is reduced to ~ 2.0-2.5 eV upon Co doping suggesting that these materials can absorb in the visible range also. FT-IR spectra confirmed that the Co-TiO2 is similar to that of pure TiO2. Raman spectra exhibit all the bands corresponding to anatase TiO2. However, for Co-TiO2 the peaks corresponding to the presence of Co clusters also appeared. BET surface area of TiO2 is 82 m2g-1 and is reduced (60-45 m2g-1) upon Co doping. Nanosize (~20 nm) of the Co doped TiO2 was confirmed from Transmission electron (TE) micrograph studies. Methylene blue dye degradation study have also carried out to exploit the catalytic activity of as prepared materials.