Monodisperse Nb-doped TiO2 (NTO) and Ta-doped TiO2 (TTO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via a facile wet chemistry method. Electron micrographs and dynamic light scattering measurements showed high monodispersity of the synthesized NPs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction results demonstrated uniform doping of the NTO and TTO NPs at various dopant concentrations and crystalline natures. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicated a decrease in electron-hole recombination rate that peaked at 2% Nb for NTO and 4% Ta for TTO. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed a decrease in bandgap energy of NTO and TTO compared to TiO2 NPs. Additionally, Ag@Cu2O core-shell NPs with tunable light absorption were synthesized and their structural, morphological, compositional, and crystalline properties were evaluated. The electron-hole recombination of bare Cu2O NPs was significantly suppressed in the presence of the Ag core. The results indicate significant enhancement in the optical properties of the NTO, TTO, and Ag@Cu2O NPs for photocatalytic applications.

Nb-Doped TiO2, Ta-Doped TiO2, and Ag@Cu2O core-shell nanoparticles with enhanced optical properties for photocatalytic applications

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.