Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of silicon-doped TiO2 nanotubes

Abstract

In this study, we present the synthesis and photocatalytic properties of Silicon (Si)-doped TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) using the hydrothermal method. The doping level of Silicon, expressed as the dopant (Si/(Si + Ti)) molar ratio, was varied within the range of 1–30 %. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of the nanocrystalline anatase phase in both pristine and Silicon-doped TNTs. Significantly, we observed an interesting enhancement in the crystallinity and purity of the anatase phase upon incorporating Silicon into TNTs, a finding that has not been previously reported. The light absorption spectra of the doped TNTs exhibited a Red Shift, with absorption edges shifting from 375 nm to 410 nm compared to undoped TNTs. The photodegradation experiments demonstrated the favorable photocatalytic activity of the Silicon-doped TNTs with a fast response to stimulus light. The red-shifted absorption spectra, coupled with the enhanced crystallinity of the anatase phase, contributed to improved performance in the degradation of target compounds.