Improved photocatalytic activity of anatase-rutile nanocomposites induced by low-temperature sol-gel Sn-modification of TiO2

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2020.01.045
• Publication Date: 2020-01-30T16:56:33Z
• Authors: Ksenija Maver; Iztok Arčon; Mattia Fanetti; Saim Emin; Matjaž Valant; Urška Lavrenčič Š...
• Keywords: Rutile

The Sn-modified TiO$_2$ photocatalysts are prepared by low-temperature sol-gel processing based on organic titaniumand tin precursors with varied Sn concentrations (from 0.1���20 mol .%). The role of Sn dopant as thepromotor of the formation of TiO$_2$ rutile crystalline phase is explained and the optimal Sn concentration forpreparation of efficient Sn-modified titania photocatalyst is determined. Up to 40 % increase in photocatalyticactivity is achieved in Sn-modified TiO$_2$ photocatalytic thin films dried at 150 ��C with low Sn concentrations inthe range from 0.1 to 1 mol .%. At low Sn concentrations optimal ratio between anatase and rutile (nano)crystalsis obtained, which facilitates charge separation at the TiO$_2$ photocatalyst���s surface. When the concentration of Snincreases above 5 mol.% or when the films are calcined at 500 ��C, the relative amount of rutile phase withinferior photocatalytic activity, increases and the nanocrystals of titania grow, leading to fewer active sites perunit mass and the reduction of activity in comparison to unmodified TiO$_2$.<br/>Catalysis today 1, 1-6 (2020). doi:10.1016/j.cattod.2020.01.045<br/>Published by Elsevier, Amsterdam<br/>