Co-doped TiO2 Research Articles

Visible-Light-Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Silver and Copper Co-Doped Titania Formed on Titanium via Chemical and Thermal Treatments.

Dental implants made of titanium (Ti) are used in dentistry, but peri-implantitis is a serious associated problem. Antibacterial and osteoconductive Ti dental implants may decrease the risk of peri-implantitis. In this study, titania (TiO2) co-doped with silver (Ag) at 2.5 at.% and copper (Cu) at 4.9 at.% was formed on Ti substrates via chemical and thermal treatments. The Ag and Cu co-doped TiO2 formed apatite in a simulated body fluid, which suggests osteoconductivity. It also showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, which was enhanced by visible-light irradiation. This enhancement might be caused by the synergistic effect of the release of Ag and Cu and the generation of •OH from the sample. Dental implants with such a Ag and Cu co-doped TiO2 formed on their surface may reduce the risk of peri-implantitis.

Enhancement of Visible-Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline by Co-Doped TiO2 Templated by Waste Tobacco Stem Silk.

In this study, Co-doped TiO2 was synthesized using waste tobacco stem silk (TSS) as a template via a one-pot impregnation method. These samples were characterized using various physicochemical techniques such as N2 adsorption/desorption analysis, diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The synthesized material was used for the photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) under visible light (420-800 nm). No strong photodegradation activity was observed for mesoporous TiO2 synthesized using waste TSS as a template, mesoporous Co-doped TiO2, or TiO2. In contrast, Co-doped mesoporous TiO2 synthesized using waste TSS as a template exhibited significant photocatalytic degradation, with 86% removal of TCH. Moreover, owing to the unique chemical structure of Ti-O-Co, the energy gap of TiO2 decreased. The edge of the absorption band was redshifted, such that the photoexcitation energy for generating electron-hole pairs decreased. The electron-hole separation efficiency improved, rendering the microstructured biotemplated TiO2 a much more efficient catalyst for the visible-light degradation of TCH.

DFT calculations and giant dielectric responses in (Ni1/3Nb2/3)xTi1-xO2.

The origins of dielectric responses in Ni2+ and Nb5+ co-doped TiO2 were explored considering intrinsic and extrinsic effects. DFT calculations demonstrated that Ni2+ doping induced oxygen vacancies, while Nb5+ doping generated free electrons. Theoretical predictions indicated complex defect dipoles forming in the rutile structure, contributing to overall dielectric responses. Theoretical calculations also showed a possible linear alignment of Ni2+-2Nb5+ without oxygen vacancies, especially in high doping concentrations. Experimentally, (Ni1/3Nb2/3)xTi1-xO2 ceramics (x = 1%, 2.5%, and 10%) were synthesized. The substantial dielectric response at room temperature, attributed to factors like defect dipoles and grain boundary/surface barrier layer capacitor (GBLC/SBLC) effects, increased with higher doping levels. However, in a temperature range where GBLC/SBLC effects were suppressed, the dielectric response decreased with increased doping, likely due to self-charge compensation between Ni2+-2Nb5+. Notably, (Ni1/3Nb2/3)xTi1-xO2 with x = 2.5% exhibited a high dielectric permittivity of 104 and a low loss tangent of 0.029 at 1 kHz. Moreover, the dielectric permittivity changed by less than ±15% (compared to 25 °C) at 150 °C. This work provides an understanding of the origins of dielectric responses in co-doped TiO2 and optimizes the doping concentration to achieve the best dielectric performance.

Design of porous Ni and rare earth metal (Ce, Ho, and Eu) Co-doped TiO2nanoarchitectures for energy conversion and storage applications

Herein, we have synthesized co-doped TiO2nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were applied as potential candidates for water splitting and supercapacitor applications.

The origin of dielectric relaxation behavior in TiO2 based ceramics co-doped with Zn2+, W6+ ions under a N2/O2 sintering atmosphere.

Dense (Zn0.5W0.5)xTi1-xO2 (ZWTOx) ceramics were fabricated using a conventional solid state reaction method with sintering under a nitrogen atmosphere (ZWTOx-N2) and an oxygen atmosphere (ZWTOx-O2), respectively. Colossal permittivity (ε > 104) and low loss (tan δ < 0.1) were simultaneously achieved in ZWTOx-N2 ceramics, and two types of dielectric relaxation behaviors observed were interpreted to be due to interface polarization and disassociation between oxygen vacancies and trivalent titanium ions, respectively. The impedance plots suggested that the ZWTOx-N2 ceramics are electrical heterostructures composed of semiconductor and insulator grain boundaries, which proved that the CP performance of ZWTOx-N2 ceramics almost originates from the internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) effect. In addition, a series of anomalous dielectric behaviors such as low permittivity and low frequency dispersion were observed for ZWTOx-O2 ceramics; polarization (P)-electric field (E) hysteresis loop curves were obtained for ZWTOx-O2 ceramics, and that impedance plots have shown that the ZWTOx-O2 ceramics display higher insulation resistivity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations illustrated that the Zn2+-W6+ ion pairs are easy to form in ZWTOx-O2 ceramics, which causes destruction of the local lattice and thus leads to abnormal dielectric behavior. This work will provide a new strategy for defect engineering in TiO2 and other CP materials.

A transparent room-temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor on glass: anatase Co-doped TiO2 oriented thin films with improved electrical conduction

(101)-Oriented anatase Ti0.95Co0.05O2−δ thin films were grown on rigid and flexible glass substrates by using TiO2 seed layers. The thin films exhibited ferromagnetic semiconducting properties comparable to those of epitaxial thin films.

Investigation of Structural, Optical and Photocatalytic Properties of Holmium-Niobium Co-doped TiO2 Nanopowders

Investigation of Structural, Optical and Photocatalytic Properties of Holmium-Niobium Co-doped TiO₂ Nanopowders

Photocatalytic Activity and Reusability of F, Sm3+ Co-Doped TiO2/MWCNTs Hybrid Heterostructure for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Brilliant Black Bis-Azo Dye

A global freshwater pollution catastrophe is looming due to pollutants of emerging concern (PECs). Conventional water treatment methods are limited in removing PECs such as pharmaceuticals and dye house effluent from aquatic systems. This study provides an effective potential solution by developing an innovative wastewater treatment method based on solar-light-responsive semiconductor-based photocatalysts. A sol-gel synthesis technique was used to produce Fluorine-Sm3+ co-doped TiO2 (0.6% Sm3+) (FST3) photocatalysts. This was followed by loading multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the range of 0.25 to 1 wt% into the FST3 matrix. Solid state UV-visible spectroscopy measurements showed a bathochromic shift into the visible light region after the co-doping of TiO2, whereas XRD analysis confirmed the presence of predominantly anatase polymorphs of TiO2. The FT-IR and EDX results confirmed the presence of the F and Sm3+ dopants in the synthesised photocatalysts. XRD and TEM measurements confirmed that the crystallite sizes of all synthesised photocatalysts ranged from 12–19 nm. The resultant photocatalysts were evaluated for photocatalytic degradation of Brilliant Black BN bis-azo dye in aqueous solution under simulated solar irradiation. FST3 completely degraded the dye after 3 h, with a high apparent rate constant (Ka) value (2.73 × 10−2 min−1). The degree of mineralisation was evaluated using the total organic carbon (TOC) technique, which revealed high TOC removal (82%) after 3 h and complete TOC removal after 4 h. The incorporation of F improved the optical properties and the surface chemistry of TiO2, whereas Sm3+ improved the quantum efficiency and the optical properties. These synergistic effects led to significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, incorporating MWCNTs into the F and Sm3+ co-doped TiO2 (0.6% Sm3+) improved the reaction kinetics of the FST3, effectively reducing the reaction time by over 30%. Recyclability studies showed that after 5 cycles of use, the FST3/C1 degradation efficiency dropped by 7.1%, whereas TiO2 degradation efficiency dropped by 33.4% after the same number of cycles. Overall, this work demonstrates a sustainable and efficient dye-removal technique.

First-principles assessments of the electronic, and magneto-optical characteristics of Fe–Mn co-doped anatase TiO2 for photo-catalysis applications

First principles modeling is conducted to scrutinize the structural, chemical, electronic structures, bonding character, and magneto-optical features of intrinsic or pure anatase TiO2, Fe or Mn single-atom doped, and Mn–Fe diatom co-doped anatase TiO2 systems, respectively. Herein, the spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) concerted with the on-site Hubbard (U) correction scheme for the Coulomb interaction, is utilized for the exchange-correlation term, as the generalized gradient approximation (GGA)+U. The spin-polarized density of states of Mn mono-atom doped anatase TiO2 material indicated a magnetic semiconductor attribute for both down/up spin components. Conversely, the outcome spin-polarized density of states of both Fe-doped and Mn–Fe co-doped anatase TiO2 materials illustrated the emergence of an intermediate band behavior. Accordingly, three magnetic impurity bands are produced in Mn–Fe co-doped anatase TiO2, the first two spin-up bands are located just uppermost the valence states nearby the Fermi level and the third spin-up/down band is lying far from the Fermi level just below the minimum conduction band. Interestingly, the spin-polarized charge density displayed an orbital ordering between the O 2p-orbitals and 3d-orbitals of Mn–Fe doped diatoms in the host TiO2 anatase system. The valuable optical ingredients, such as the optical absorption coefficient, refractive index, reflectivity spectra, optical conductivity, and electron energy loss function, are inspected and discussed. Moreover, the optical absorption coefficient characteristics of the mono-doped Mn/Fe and Mn–Fe co-doped TiO2 anatase structure displayed a relocation in the absorption feature edges towards the visible electromagnetic radiation regime. This means that the induced impurity bands delineate the essential contributor for boosting the catalytic activity in the visible light. It is expected that the Fe–Mn co-doped anatase TiO2 system could be a compelling candidate for its ultimate use in the photo-catalysts or magnetic storage devices.

Boosting photocatalytic activity of C-F-TiO2 nanosheets derived from in-situ pyrolysis of MXene

Nonmetal doping is widely used in the modification of titanium dioxides (TiO2) for photocatalytic applications. As a typical two-dimensional layered nanomaterial, the excellent physical and chemical properties of MXene materials have been the focus of current research. In this study, carbon and fluorine co-doped MXene derived TiO2 nanosheets (labelled as C-F-TiO2) were successfully synthesized and used as catalysts for degrading 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) under UV light irradiation. The C-F-TiO2 with ultrathin nanosheet structure enhanced light absorption range and decreased the bandgaps. The degradation efficiency of 2,4,6-TCP by C-F-TiO2 was over 99 % in 90 min, and the degradation rate was more than twice that of commercial TiO2. The degradation rate still remained about 90 % in 90 min after five cycles. The results of quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) illustrated that more reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated in the C-F-TiO2/UV system, which was 1.5 times that of commercial pure TiO2, and •O2– was the dominant ROS for 2,4,6-TCP degradation. This study provided insight to utilize physicochemical characteristics of MXene to synthesize non-metal co-doped TiO2 nanosheet as a catalyst, exhibiting excellent reactivity in the potential application for organic pollutant degradation.

Porous transition metal oxide scaffold implanted with interpenetrated catalytic network enabling polysulfides restricted and dendrite free Lithium–Sulfur batteries

The exploration of porous polar hosts with good structural stability, high catalytic activity, lithophilic nature, and high-conductivity is desirable to solve the dilatory polysulfide redox kinetics and the uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth for efficient and stable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, a novel hierarchical metal oxide-based scaffold is developed, in which N-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulated with Co nanoparticles are in-situ implanted within three-dimensional ordered macroporous Co-doped TiO2 (Co@NCNTs/Co-TiO2) as efficient hosts for both sulfur and Li electrodes. Benefiting from the excellent stability of polar Co-TiO2 skeleton, high catalytic activity and lithophilic properties of Co nanoparticles, and high-conductivity of the inter-penetrated NCNTs, the polysulfide conversion kinetics are dramatically boosted, and the dendrite-free lithium electrochemistry is simultaneously accomplished. Cooperatively, the Co@NCNTs/Co-TiO2/Li ‖ Co@NCNTs/Co-TiO2/S full cell expresses high rate capability of 879.66 mAh g−1 at 5C, as well as super cycling stability with a low capacity decay rate of about 0.033 % after 1000 cycles at 3C. Additionally, Li–S pouch cell assembled by Co@NCNTs/Co-TiO2/Li anode and Co@NCNTs/Co-TiO2/S cathode also exhibits a remarkable discharge capacity of 1020.4 mAh g−1 with sulfur loading even reaching 4.5 mg cm−2 after 200 cycles. The present work reveals an effective strategy for developing advanced Li–S batteries dual-functional electrodes.

Antibacterial activities and photocatalyzed degradation of textile dyeing waste water by Mn and F co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles

In the present study, synthesis and characterisation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles concurrently doped with fluorine (F) and manganese (Mn) are studied for the improved photocatalytic degradation and bacterial inhibition. The absorption spectrum observed at 400 nm is blue shifted to 398 nm in co-doped TiO2, which confirmed the increase in incorporation of F and Mn. Transmission electron microscopic images and XRD results confirm that the size of the TiO2 nanoparticles decreased with increasing concentration of co-dopants. Co-doping of TiO2 with F and Mn is confirmed by FTIR, XRD, EDAX and XPS studies. The TiO2 nanoparticles prepared at higher concentration of dopants show the existence of nanorods. It is obvious that the doping of TiO2 with Mn and F can degrade textile wastewater and methylene blue with 120 min of visible light irradiation. The antimicrobial activities of the prepared samples increased with increasing doping level of F and Mn against Staphylococus aureaus and Escherichia coli.

Effect of annealing temperature on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Co doped TiO2 nanoparticles: An investigation by synchrotron-based experimental techniques

The present study examines the effect of annealing temperature on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Co-doped TiO2 (TCO) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by the sol-gel method. X-ray powder diffractograms of TCO NPs annealed at 400, 600 and 800 °C exhibited the monophasic anatase, diphase (anatase and rutile) and monophasic rutile structures respectively. A morphological investigation using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) reveals the presence of nanoparticles with diameters ranging from ∼11 to ∼51 nm. The widening and shifting of the most intense Eg peak in Raman studies and SEM images of TCO NPs suggest Co incorporation in the TiO2 matrix and the formation of oxygen vacancies. Magnetic measurements of TCO at room temperature demonstrate ferromagnetic behaviour which is caused by the existence of oxygen vacancies and the doped Co content. Element specific technique, soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) was used to study the magnetism in Co doped TiO2 samples. The estimated total magnetic moment by XMCD was in the range of ∼1.3 ± 0.1–2.3 ± 0.2 μB/Co. This huge magnetization was first time observed by the surface-sensitive Total Electron Yield (TEY) mode. The estimated saturation magnetic moment is in the range of 1.0–1.5 μB/Co, also consistent with XMCD analysis and cluster model calculation. The results obtained by XMCD recommend an intrinsic behaviour of ferromagnetism. The X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of Co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles at Ti L2,3 and Co L2,3 -edge in TEY mode concludes that the valence states of Co and Ti ions are in 2 + and 4 + respectively. Cluster model calculation also confirmed that Co ions are in a 2 + valence state with D2 h high spin crystal-field symmetry at the surface while a random crystal field symmetry in bulk has been observed which is well consistent with experimental data.

Two-step flash sintering of (Mg1/3Ta2/3)0.01Ti0.99O2 giant dielectric ceramics

PurposeThe purpose of this paper on the one hand is to reduce the sintering temperature, shorten the sintering time and improve the electrical properties of the sample through the two-step flash sintering method and on the other hand is to study the effect of electric field on the phase structure, microstructure and electrical properties of the flash sintering sample.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, (Mg1/3Ta2/3)0.01Ti0.99O2 giant dielectric ceramics were prepared by conventional sintering and two-step flash sintering, respectively. Further, the effect of electric field (600–750 V/cm) on the electrical properties of (Mg1/3Ta2/3)0.01Ti0.99O2 giant dielectric ceramics was studied.FindingsThe results show that compared with the conventional sintering, the sintering temperature of the two-step flash sintering can be reduced by 200°C and the sintering time can be shortened by 12 times. All sintered samples were single rutile TiO2 structure. Compared with conventional sintering, two-step flash sintering samples have finer grain size. The two-step flash sintered sample has similar dielectric properties to the conventional sintered sample. The dielectric constant of flash sintered samples decreases with the increase of electric field. When the electric field is 700 V/cm, the ceramic sample has the optimal dielectric properties, where the dielectric constant is approximately 5.5 × 103 and the dielectric loss is about 0.18 at 1 kHz. Impedance spectroscopy analysis shows that the excellent dielectric properties are attributed to the internal barrier layer capacitance model.Originality/valueThis paper not only provides a new method for the preparation of co-doped TiO2 giant dielectric ceramics but also has great potential in greatly improving efficiency and saving energy.

Development of immobilised sunlight active W-Mo/Mo-V/V-W co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst by plasma electrolytic oxidation

W-Mo/Mo-V/V-W co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst for the effective degradation of MB (methylene blue) dye under sunlight irradiation was successfully prepared by one-step Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) process. The XRD, XPS, and EDS results revealed that W/Mo/V were co-doped in the TiO2 lattice. The highest redshift in the light absorption edge is recorded for the sample MV (Mo-V co-doped TiO2) with a bandgap of 2.51 eV, whereas the bandgaps for WM (W-Mo co-doped TiO2) and VW (V-W co-doped TiO2) are recorded as 2.96 eV and 2.58 eV, respectively. The co-doped photocatalysts show a typical PEO structure with a high degree of porosity favouring the dye adsorption ability. EIS, LSV, and PL analysis confirmed that the co-doped coatings pose a high degree of charge separation, suppressed charge carriers' recombination, and increased the ability to produce photocurrent. Under direct sunlight irradiation, the sample MV showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency, confirmed by MB dye degradation, then the other co-doped and undoped TiO2. This can be attributed to the synergetic effects of intense visible light absorption in the solar spectrum and the reduced charge carriers' recombination rate by acting as the trapping sites for photogenerated electrons and holes. Finally, this immobilised co-doped photocatalyst developed by the PEO process is a promising system in the quest to establish a renewable energy-assisted strategy for textile wastewater treatment application. • Developed direct sunlight active W-Mo/Mo-V/V-W co-doped TiO 2 on Cp-Ti by PEO. • Mo-V co-doped TiO 2 (Eg of 2.41 eV) shows the highest redshift in light absorption. • Immobilised Mo-V co-doped TiO 2 shows the highest dye degradation and mineralisation. • Low Eg and e + /h − recombination rate is due to the synergetic effect of V and Mo.

Development of kaolin and periwinkle shell ash Co-Doped TiO2 nanoparticles for degradation of hazardous dye

In the present study, the synthesis of periwinkle shell ash (PSA) doped into a highly exchanged kaolin-based nanocomposite photocatalyst was suggested. The novel nanocomposite was prepared in two-step synthesis using a sol–gel method with titanium isopropoxide precursor under hydrothermal treatment at 500 °C. The procedure resulted in the formation of [email protected]/TiO2 nanocomposite whose phase composition, particle morphology, chemical, and physical properties were characterized using XRD, SEM-EDX, HR-TEM, ATR-FTIR, and UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UVDRS). The novel photocatalyst brilliantly photodegraded crystal violet dye (10 mg/L) at 99 % degradation efficiency for 300 mins of UV irradiation. The latter is attributed to the covering of photocatalyst surface by anatase/rutile titania nanoparticles, reduced bandgap (1.7,1.8 and 2.1 eV), and suppressed rapid recombination of the photogenerated electrons which originated from the metal–semiconductor interface. The commercial potential revealed possible application in the visible and ultraviolet wavelength, hydroxyl radical driven photodegradation, 700 % reusability rate, and predicted by multiple regression model. The enhanced [email protected]/TiO2 had shown absorption into Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics and high photocatalytic activity as the reaction mechanism. Therefore, the PSA and kaolin are cost-effective and efficient nanocomposites for the treatment of crystal violet dye effluents using UV–vis light.

Colossal Permittivity Characteristics and Origin of (Sr, Sb) Co-Doped TiO2 Ceramics

With the continuous development of electronic technology, the application of dielectric materials is also becoming more and more abstractive. It is also a great challenge to find a new type of colossal permittivity material with high dielectric permittivity, lower dielectric loss and excellent temperature and frequency stability. In this work, the (Sr1/3Sb2/3) x Ti1−x O2 (SSTO) colossal permittivity ceramics for x = 0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 4.0% were prepared by conventional solid state reaction method. The crystal structure, microstructure, dielectric properties, varistor properties were analyzed, and the formation mechanism of colossal dielectric was revealed. When the doping amount is 2%, SSTO has the optimal dielectric performance with dielectric constant of approximately 2.2 × 104, dielectric loss of about 0.03 at 1 kHz. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Impedance spectra (IS) results showed that defect clusters and interface polarization are the main reasons for the improvement of dielectric properties of (Sr, Sb) co-doped TiO2 ceramics. Therefore, this work is of great significance for the development and application of TiO2-based new colossal dielectric materials.

Enhancement of Photoactivity of TiO2 for Potential Applications in CO2 Conversion and Water Splitting: A Hybrid Density Functional Theory Study

Solar conversions of water to hydrogen and carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon fuels are the two attractive options to reduce global warming and generation of sustainable energy. The mission for utilization of the sunlight to the maximum extent for these purposes has provided motivation to find efficient materials. In the present study, we have systematically investigated the electronic structure of Co-doped TiO2 with anatase crystal structure to explain the experimentally observed photocatalytic activity and to explore the limiting factors. The present study revealed the preferred charge state for Co to achieve the best photoconversion efficiency. We have also investigated the role of lattice defects in the photoactivity of Co-doped TiO2. Motivated by experimental observation, we have investigated the role of codoping of B/N/V into Co-doped TiO2. For this purpose, we have employed a more reliable hybrid density functional. To further enhance the photoactivity, we have proposed codoping with (F/Sb/Nb/Ta/Cr/Mo/W) into Co-doped TiO2. We have checked the feasibility of doping by calculating the defect formation energy. Interestingly, codoping with (F/Sb/V/Nb/Ta) successfully overcomes the limitations of Co-doped TiO2. Finally, eligibility of these materials toward water splitting and CO2 conversion is checked by aligning the band edges with respect to water and CO2 redox levels. By considering all these factors, the present study was carried out to find out the best choice of the dopant pair to enhance the photocatalytic activity for TiO2 under sunlight.

Photocatalytic Activity and Mechanical Performance of O and N Co-doped TiO2 Thin Films

Photocatalytic Activity and Mechanical Performance of O and N Co-doped TiO2 Thin Films

Structural, chemical, optical and photocatalytic properties of Zr co-doped anatase-rutile mixed phase TiO2: Ag nanoparticles

Zr co-doped TiO2:Ag nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and the influence of Zr co-dopant with varying content on the structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of TiO2:Ag photocatalysts was investigated. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the anatase-rutile mixed phase of TiO2 and Zr content eased the anatase-rutile phase transformation. X-ray diffraction peak shift with Zr content indicated the substitutional doping of Zr4+ ions into TiO2 lattice. The optical properties of the nanoparticles were investigated with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Zr dopants induced the Burstein-Moss effect, resulting in the broader bandgap and photoluminescence shift. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was utilized to reveal the surface chemical environment of the Zr co-doped TiO2:Ag nanoparticles and found the presence of Zr4+ ions on the photocatalyst surface, which act as electron traps. The dependence of operational parameters such as photocatalytic load, dye concentration and pH on Zr co-doped TiO2:Ag nanocatalyst was also monitored. The photocatalysts demonstrate improved photocatalytic activity toward methylene blue degradation with maximum efficiency achieved by the photocatalyst having the highest Zr content. 20 mg and 10.35 μM were found to be the optimum values for photocatalytic load and initial methylene blue concentration, respectively. Further, at alkaline pH, complete decolorization of the reaction mixture was observed in only 60 min with 92.6% efficiency by highest co-doped photocatalyst. The effect of Zr content on degradation rate with different parameters was also explored with a possible mechanism to understand the effect of dopants on photocatalytic activity of the photocatalysts.