Photochemical and magnetic activities of FeTiO3 nanoparticles by electro-spinning synthesis

Abstract

Ilmenite FeTiO3 nanoparticles were prepared by electrospinning synthesis using the sol–gel precursors, followed by the sintering at 650°C. The pure crystalline phase was verified by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements together with Rietveld refinements. The surface properties of the nanoparticles were studied by TEM, SEM, BET and XPS measurements. The optical absorption of FeTiO3 nanoparticles is in the visible wavelength region. The indirect allowed band gap (2.6eV) of FeTiO3 shows the characteristic charge-transfer (CT) transitions of O-2p→(Ti/Fe)-3d in visible light wavelength region. The photochemical properties were investigated by the methylene blue (MB) degradation under the irradiation of visible-light. FeTiO3 nanoparticles were efficient in the photo-degradation of MB dye solutions. The photocatalysis activities and mechanisms were discussed on the crystal structure characteristics such as multivalent elements of Ti3+, Fe3+/Fe2+ redox couples. The magnetic properties of FeTiO3 nanoparticles were measured, which permit this photocatalyst to be recycled after the photocatalytic reactions.