Visible light proven Si doped TiO2 Nanocatalyst for the Photodegradation of Organic dye

Abstract

Abstract In the present work, such nanomaterial has been synthesized using titanium oxide as a base material and using Si as a dopant material. The structural, surface morphological and textural characterization for the synthesized pure TiO2 and Si doped TiO2 (STO) nanomaterial were characterized using X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The porous nature and absorption nature the nanomaterial was analysed using Braunner Emmet teller studies (BET) and Ultra-violet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) studies. The compositional ratio of the nanomaterial was explained with Energy dispersive studies (EDS). On comparing both the nanomaterial, sharp crystalline peaks supporting the formation of TiO2 in anatase form and on comparison shift in peaks with blend nature shows the presence of dopant Si along with TiO2 nanomaterial. The photocatalytic run were performed using pyrex reactor and the parameters responsible were examined. Catalyst dose, period of contact, pH and initial dye concentration were optimized and a final run was performed. L-H kinetic studies, carried out to find the pathway and rate of the photodegradation reaction. Finally regeneration studies were studied to elucidate the cost effectiveness and economical value of the photocatalyst synthesized. The Band gap reduction which helps in the shift of electrons from valence band to conduction band enables the photocatalytic activity in the visible light region.