Synthesis and characterization of Cr3+ doped TiO2 nanometric powders

Abstract

Simple route was used for synthesis of nanostructured titania samples doped with 3 and 6mol% of Cr3+. Titanium(IV)-isopropoxide and water were used as starting materials and as an agents for controlling hydrolysis and condensation reactions. The phase evolution of titania (TiO2) was followed by calcination at 400, 600 and 800°C. The synthesized powders were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Single-phase anatase was obtained at low temperature (400°C) in all cases. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 doped nanopowders was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet in aqueous solution. The present study indicates that this simple synthesis method can be an effective route to produce efficient photoactive doped anatase nanopowders.