Nanostructured photocatalysts with enhanced visible-light activity by a low-temperature Sol-Gel process

Visible-light active titanium dioxide catalysts were obtained using a single chemical doping process. In contrast to reported doping approaches, a low-temperature sol-gel doping process was developed. The photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange under UV and visible light irradiation, wherein doped titanium dioxide catalysts outperformed Degussa P-25. The structure of the synthesized catalysts was investigated using Fourier transformation infrared, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. The elemental composition of the resulting catalysts was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optical absorption of the catalysts is also discussed. © 2012 The American Ceramic Society.