The Role of Nb Addition in TiO2 Nanoparticles: Phase Transition and Photocatalytic Properties. Issue 21 (15th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: da Silva, Luís F.; Avansi, Waldir; Catto, Ariadne C.; Rodrigues, João E. F. S.; Bernardi, Maria I. B.; Mastelaro, Valmor R.
• Is Part Of: Physica status solidi. Volume 215:Issue 21(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-07-15
• Subjects: niobium -- phase transition -- photocatalysis -- titania; Solid state physics -- Periodicals; Solids -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; 530.41
• DOI: 10.1002/pssa.201800321
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1862-6300

Abstract

Abstract : This paper reports an experimental investigation on the effects of Nb addition on the phase transformation and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles. Differential thermal analysis, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction measurements reveal that Nb addition retarded the anatase‐to‐rutile phase transition. Photocatalysis experiments indicate an enhancement of the degradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B dyes with the addition of Nb to TiO2 lattice. This behavior was attributed to the presence of Nb ions acting as active sites formers as well as the removal of organic species, since the presence of hydroxyls groups remained unchanged, as revealed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Abstract : An experimental investigation of the effect of Nb ions and annealing treatment on the TiO2 properties is performed. The Nb ions addition into TiO2 lattice hinders the anatase‐to‐rutile phase transformation. This behavior on phase transition can be explained by the fact that the substitution of Ti 4+ ions by Nb 5+ creates additional positive charges due to charge compensation.