PREPARATION OF NOVEL X% Li/TiO2 (x = 1%, 2% and 4%) AND THEIR ACTIVITIES UNDER VISIBLE LIGHT

Abstract

Series of metal doped titanium dioxide were synthesized with the aim to enhance the photocatalytic activity under visible irradiation. x% Li doped TiO2 catalysts (x = 1%, 2% and 4%) were prepared using hydrothermal method. The samples were characterised by specific surface area SBET, X-ray diffraction XRD, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy DRS and photocatalytic activity.We succeeded to obtain high specific surface area samples. In fact, it increases to reach an optimum at 2%dopant amount. XRD analysis showed that all samples are single Anatse phase whatever dopant amount level. The photocatalytic activity was tested in methylene blue degradation under visible irradiation. Two different power lamps were used in order to investigate effect of irradiation condition. These new photocatalysts exhibited visible light activity similar to PC500 to degradated MB. The results were discussed in terms of donor electron level creation in the band gap.