Development of Au doped TiO2 nanofibers for photocatalytic applications

Abstract

Pure and Au doped TiO2 nanofibers (Au wt%=0.5, 1, 2 and 3) were successfully synthesized by electrospinning technique followed by annealing at 550 °C. The crystal structure, morphology and optical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of pure and Au doped TiO2 nanofibers were examined by photo degradation of methylene blue (MB) in water under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation separately. It is found that photocatalytic activity of pure TiO2 nanofibers is higher under visible light irradiation than under UV light. However, for Au doped TiO2 nanofibers the rate of degradation of MB is higher under UV light than under visible light irradiation. The efficiency of photo degradation is found to be slightly enhanced for 1 wt% Au doped TiO2 nanofibers than pure TiO2 nanofiber under UV irradiation. At higher concentration of Au doping, rate of degradation is decreased.