XU Xiaohong, YE Fen, XU Xiaoyang, LAO Xinbin, TANG Zhaohui, LI Jingwen

(School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China )

Abstract:Nano-TiO₂ doped with Y³⁺ was prepared by sol-gel method and the photocatalystic activity under ultra-violet light was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methyl blue. The composition, crystallographic forms, and particle size were characterized by testing techniques such as XRD and particle size distribution. The results showed when the heated temperature of Y³⁺-doped TiO₂ was 520 °C and the doped TiO₂ remained in anatase. The anatase crystal had the average size of 20 nm. The doped caused red-shift of the uv-vis absorption spectra and enhanced the absorption of light. Optimal co-doping amount for Y³⁺ was n(Y³⁺): n(TiO₂)=0.2% and under the condition the photocatalytic properties of TiO₂ could be enhanced. The degradation rate of methyl blue examined after 2 hours’ reaction was 90.68%. It indicated better photocatalytic properties than the undoped TiO₂. 

Key words:TiO₂ nanoparticles; Y³⁺ -doped; sol-gel method; photocatalysis mechanism