Visible-light-operative photocatalyst based on Er-TiO2 Nanostructures Blended with Room temperature ferromagnetism, band-gap Increment, and high optical transparency

Abstract

TiO2 thin films doped with Er+3 percentage (1-5wt.%) have been prepared using the sol-gel dip coating technique. Er influences the morphological, structural, magnetic, electrochemical, UV, dielectric, Photoluminescence, and photocatalytic properties of TiO2. FTIR was utilized to examine the different functional groups. The confirmation of the anatase phase formation was established through XRD spectra and FTIR spectra. When the concentration of dopant increased, the crystallite size was found to be decreased from 7.96 to 5.62 nm. A blue shift was noticed in transmission spectra as the dopant concentration increased leading to an increase in the bandgap of thin films. The dielectric properties of all thin films exhibited typical behavior. The barrier height, density of localized states at fermi levels, and hopping distance were examined using AC conductivity measurements. As dopant concentrations increased the dielectric constant increased while AC conductivity decreased. The outcomes of electrochemical charge-discharge tests provided the specific capacitance, power density, and Energy of Er-doped TiO2. Er-doped TiO2 especially at 5wt.% showed significant photocatalytic activity in decomposing indigo carmine under sunlight, suggesting its potential for water treatment, and mitigating environmental pollution. Furthermore, Er-doped TiO2 demonstrated efficient functionality as a CO gas sensor. Er-doped TiO2 exhibited violet photoluminescence, with emission intensity modulated by elevating the Er percentage attributed to heightened defect concentration. These properties find a utility in Optoelectronic device applications. Magnetic analysis indicated that incorporating a trivalent dopant (Er+3) into the Ti-O lattice enhanced ferromagnetic properties.