Effect of impurities in TiO2 thin films on trichloroethylene conversion

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we investigate the physical properties and photocatalytic activities of TiO2 thin films doped with low valence (Fe3+, Co2+, and Ni2+) and high valence (Mo5+, Nb5+, and W6+) cations. Clear difference in results from various analytical tools between groups was identified. The presence of different oxidation states and a higher degree of crystallinity in the high valence cation doped-TiO2 thin films seemed beneficial in terms of the transfer and separation of photo-generated electrons and holes in the TiO2 medium and on the surface, resulting in higher photocatalytic conversion of trichloroetylene.