Electronic Properties of Anatase TiO2 and Iron (III) Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles

Since its discovery by Fujishima and Honda in 1972, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been studied extensively due to its ability to split water and decompose dyes as a photocatalyst. Among all phases, TiO2 in the anatase phase displayed the highest photocatalytic rates for dye decompositions. Iron is selected as a dopant to maximize the efficiency under solar light. In this study, we use structural, morphological, chemical methods to study nanoparticles prepared using the sol-gel method, to confirm their phases, crystallite sizes, appearance, and detailed chemical compositions. To understand the effect of iron doping on photocatalysis, band gaps and valence band structures are obtained using state-of-the -art spectroscopy techniques. Models of electronic band structures of anatase TiO2 with various iron doping percentages are proposed, and effects of iron dopants on photodegradation are discussed using experimental results. Our study will benefit water purification industries, especially for on-site water treatments.