Synthesis of N and F co-doped TiO2 nanophotocatalysts for degradation of malathion in water

N and F codoped nanophotocatalysts were synthesized by sol-gel method and their photocatalytic activity were studied for the degradation of insecticide malathion. Photocatalysts were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and micro Raman spectroscopy to determine the structural, morphological properties and phase composition. The particle size calculated by XRD are in agreement with the measured value by TEM. Band gap calculated by absorption spectra shows a shift in the absorption edge towards longer wavelength side. Photoluminescence spectra show emission behaviour of synthesized photocatalysts. In comparison with undoped TiO2, N, F codoped particles exhibits higher photocatalytic activity due to generation of more reactive oxidative species (ROS). Mechanism of ROS generation is graphically discussed.