Synthesis and characterization of anionic (IO₃^-) doped TiO₂ nanophotocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

  In the present study, we report on the synthesis of iodic acid (IO₃^-)-doped TiO₂ by solid state dispersion method using iodic acid as the precursor. The resulting material was extensively characterized by various sophisticated techniques such as XRD, UV-vis, SEM-EDX and XPS analysis. We explored the photocatalytic activity of IO₃^--doped TiO₂ for the degradation of monocrotophos (MCP) in aqueous solution. The experimental results demonstrated that the presence of iodic acid in TiO₂ could enhance degradation as well as mineralization of MCP in aqueous suspension. The possible explanation for the enhanced activity is discussed based on the formation of brookite phase. The brookite phase has been formed upon iodic acid loading with decrease in the percentage of anatase and rutile phases. In the present study, we conclude that the presence of all three phases of TiO₂ with small particle size could be important for the enhanced photocatalytic activity.