Hydrogen production and photocatalytic activity of HTAB assisted titanium doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles treated by microwave irradiation process

Abstract

The present work influence of titanium doping on morphology, optical, stoichiometry, electrical and photocatalytic efficiency of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles which were synthesized via the microwave irradiation process. Titanium doped iron oxide nanoparticles are synthesized at different doping wt % of Ti. The increase of Titanium doping level in the iron oxide nanoparticles influences more on particle size and it increases from 38 nm for lower Ti level to 58 nm at higher Ti level. The band gap values from 2.49 eV to 2.34 eV especially in the visible light region. The valence band top resulting in decreases of band gap of α-Fe2O3, considering tuneable bandgap of Ti doped hematite nanoparticles for photocatalytic activity and MB dye degradation process performed under sunlight irradiation for hydrogen production. The morphological changes like spherical, granules, rhombus and platelet shapes are confirmed from FESEM images. The XPS results shows peaks like Ti 2p3/2 and Ti 2p1/2 of Ti doped iron oxide samples. The binding energy of 532 eV is almost indicated oxygen environment of α-Fe2O3. The HRTEM images are supported for morphological transformation. Overall incorporation of TiO2 on iron oxide nanoparticles offer possibilities for utilizing this inexpensive and earth-abundant oxide materials in the pollution controlling areas.