Influence of La doping on structural and optical properties of TiO2 nanocrystals

In this study, the authors presented systematic and detailed characteristic studies of La doped TiO2 nanocrystals synthesized by sol–gel method. Influence of La doping on the structural and optical properties of TiO2 is evident from the results obtained. The present investigation found that La doping greatly promotes anatase to rutile phase transformation of TiO2 at low temperature. This is the first report ensuring the A–R phase transformation at low temperature by La doping. [Display omitted] •First report ensuring the A–R phase transformation at low temperature by La doping•Formation of more than 75% of rutile phase on suitable doping concentration•Inhibition of crystal growth and nanocrystal formation up to 10nm size•Indicates sol–gel method is an effective synthesis route to prepare rutile crystals at low temperature•La doping of suitable concentrations augment the structural, optical and photoluminescence properties of TiO2 nanocrystals.