Hydrogen production and photocatalytic activity of HTAB assisted titanium doped a-Fe2O3 nanoparticles treated by microwave irradiation process

The present work influence of titanium doping on morphology, optical, stoichiometry, electrical and photo -catalytic efficiency of alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles which were synthesized via the microwave irradiation process. Titanium doped iron oxide nanoparticles are synthesized at different doping wt % of Ti. The increase of Titanium doping level in the iron oxide nanoparticles influences more on particle size and it increases from 38 nm for lower Ti level to 58 nm at higher Ti level. The band gap values from 2.49 eV to 2.34 eV especially in the visible light region. The valence band top resulting in decreases of band gap of alpha-Fe2O3, considering tuneable bandgap of Ti doped hematite nanoparticles for photocatalytic activity and MB dye degradation process performed under sunlight irradiation for hydrogen production. The morphological changes like spherical, granules, rhombus and platelet shapes are confirmed from FESEM images. The XPS results shows peaks like Ti 2p3/2 and Ti 2p1/2 of Ti doped iron oxide samples. The binding energy of 532 eV is almost indicated oxygen environment of alpha-Fe2O3. The HRTEM images are supported for morphological transformation. Overall incorporation of TiO2 on iron oxide nanoparticles offer possibilities for utilizing this inexpensive and earth-abundant oxide materials in the pollution controlling areas.

Automated summary

This study investigates the influence of titanium doping on the morphology, optical properties, stoichiometry, electrical properties, and photo-catalytic efficiency of alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The results show that titanium doping affects the particle size and band gap of the nanoparticles. In addition, the changes in morphology and band gap make the Ti-doped hematite nanoparticles suitable for photocatalytic activity and MB dye degradation under sunlight irradiation for hydrogen production.