Influence of co-doping of Sn/W on the structural and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles for MB degradation

Different samples of Sn and W-codoped TiO 2 nanoparticles were prepared through simple sol-gel synthesis method by using stannous chloride as tin precursor, sodium tungstate as tungsten, and titanium (IV) n-butoxide (TBT) as titanium precursor. Characterization of prepared samples were done by various techniques such as, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N 2 physisorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The XRD showed that the presence of only anatase TiO 2 for the undoped and W-doped titania samples. Titania rutile phase formation in nanoparticles was promoted by Sn 4 + addition. XRD analysis also pointed out the decrease in the crystal size with the increase in Sn concentration in the samples. The BET analysis reported an increase in the surface area with the increase in the Sn concentration. It was found that the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 was obviously enhanced by the co-doping.