Structural and optical properties of Mg doped TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

Abstract

Pure and doped titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles with various atomic wt% (0 %, 3 %, 5 % and 7 %) of Mg were prepared by sol-gel method followed by the calcination at 100 °C for 12 h to investigate structural, optical and photoluminescence properties of TiO2 nanoparticles. Subsequently prepared samples annealed at 400 °C for 2 h for crystallization. Eventually, as prepared samples have been characterized using X ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy. XRD analysis shows that, prepared samples are crystalline in nature with exhibit of mixed phase (Rutile and Anatase) of TiO2. The crystallite size obtained around 12.0 nm of pure TiO2 nanoparticles. As increase in the doping concentration crystallite size was reduced to 6.76 nm. SEM images demonstrate the uniform growth of nanoparticles. Doping offering the tuning the energy band gap of TiO2. Photoluminescence spectra observed near UV to visible region. The intensity of Photoluminescence emission enhanced with increase of Mg doping at various concentration. Band gap and photoluminescence emission properties of doped TiO2, can be useful for optoelectronic applications and as Photo catalyst. The possible mechanism of coordination for different properties for TiO2 nanoparticles with various doping concentration have been well discussed.