Crystallization study of sol–gel un-doped and Pd-doped TiO2 materials

Abstract

This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting galley proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.A c c e p t e d m a n u s c r i p t Abstract *Sol-gel nanostructured titania materials have been reported to have applications in areas ranging from optics via solar energy to gas sensors. In order to enhance the photocatalytic activity, there are many studies regarding the doping of TiO 2 material with either nonmetals (S, C, N, P) or metals (Ag, Pt, Nd, Fe). The present work has studied some un-doped and Pd-doped sol-gel TiO 2 materials (films and gels), with various surface morphologies and structures, obtained by simultaneous gelation of both precursors Ti(OEt) 4 and Pd(acac) 2. Their structural evaluation and crystallization behaviour with thermal treatment were followed by DTA/TG analysis, IR spectroscopy, FTIR, spectroellipsometry (SE), XRD and AFM. The influence of Pd on TiO 2 crystallization both for supported and un-supported materials was studied (lattice parameters, crystallite sizes, internal microstrains). The changes in the optical properties of the TiO 2 -based vitreous materials were correlated with the changes of the structure. The hydrophilic properties of the films were also connected with their structure, composition, and surface morphology.

Optical and electrical properties of nanocrystalline TiO2:Pd semiconducting oxides

“…From literature review, for example [19,20] it is known that introduction of Pd into TiO 2 may improve some chemical properties of such thin films, especially required for gas sensing and catalytic applications.…”

Electrical conduction mechanism and gas sensing properties of Pd-doped TiO2 films

“…[1,2], being versatile for various applications (gas sensors, photocatalysis, optoelectronics, etc.) [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Concerning Pd doping, generally, its dispersion by the sol-gel method was made in SiO 2 [7], Al 2 O 3 [8], but less in TiO 2 , which explains our interest on the study of the sol-gel prepared Pd-doped titanium oxide films [3,4,9].…”

Preparation and characterization of nanoparticle Ru:TiO2 films and their photocatalytic activity

“…The electrons and the holes can diffuse to the surface of the TiO 2 and induce various radicals or ions that have photo-catalytic activity. To enhance the activity of TiO 2 , doping of noble metals such as Au, Ru, Ag and Pd has been used [4][5][6]. The TiO 2 nanoparticles modified by the noble metals can change the electronic distribution, influence the surface properties, and then improve the photocatalytic activities.…”