Synthesis and characterization of copper (Cu)/sulfur (S) co-doped anatase TiO2 via sol–gel method and photo degradation efficiency

Abstract

A copper and sulfur co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by modified sol–gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide, copper sulfate (Cu2SO4·5H2O), and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) as precursors. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray micro-analysis (SEM/EDS), Fourier transform infrared analysis, UV–visible analysis (UV–Vis), Photoluminescence analysis, and atomic force microscopy. The XRD results showed undoped and Cu/S-co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles only include anatase phase. The SEM analysis revealed the doping of Cu and S nano particles are highly agglomerated like cauliflower shape. The increase of copper and sulfur doping enhanced red-shift in the UV–vis absorption spectra. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples was tested for degradation of Rhodamine B solutions. The results showed photocatalytic activity of the catalysts with 0.2 % Cu, 0.2 % S (1:1) on TiO2 were higher than that of other catalysts under ultraviolet irradiation. The Cu/S co-doped TiO2 catalyst has higher photocatalytic efficiency than undoped TiO2 catalyst.