Visible light driven enhancement in photodegradation of organic dyes using FexTi1-xO2 thin films

Abstract

Fe doped TiO2 thin films (Fe, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 mol %) were prepared using dip coating method. Dip coating method provides thin films of self-assembly with sol gel technique. The prepared thin films were subjected to different characterization studies. The structural properties of samples were analyzed with powder X-Ray diffraction method. It is observed that Fe ion incorporation has modified the crystallite size of TiO2 particle significantly which can have effect on the wavelength of the light source required for the photocatalytic process. The surface morphological properties were investigated via FESEM and AFM techniques. The higher concentration of Fe doped TiO2 thin films exhibit the larger surface area and roughness which leads to better enhancement for catalytic properties. The optical absorption studies showed the absorption edge of doped TiO2 samples has shifted towards longer wavelength region. The catalytic efficiency of prepared samples was investigated by the degradation of organic pollutants methylene blue and Congo red dyes and the results showed enhanced chemical reaction ensued between the methylene blue and Fe TiO2 samples. Further the treated water was used to grow plant like green gram (Vigna radiata) and the growth of plant was studied. The anatase phase, narrowing band gap, acidic surface sites and large surface area of Fe doped TiO2 thin film infer the sample as an efficient photocatalyst for environmental purification.