Sn4+ and La3+ co doped TiO2 nanoparticles and their optical, photocatalytic and antibacterial properties under visible light

Sn4+ and La3+ co-doped TiO2 photocatalytic material with nanoparticle structure have been successfully prepared using SnCl2 center dot 2H(2)O and La(NO3)(3)center dot 6H(2)O as precursors. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy have been used to for the characterization of the morphology, crystal structure, particle size and optical properties of the samples. The photocatalytic properties of sample with various amount of La doped TiO2 have been studied by photo degradation of methyl orange (MO) in water under visible light. XRD patterns showed both rutile and anatase phases for 5 mol% of Sn and 5-10 mol% of La. But anatase phase with a little rutile phase was formed for 5 mol%Sn and 10 mol%La. The prepared Sn and La co doped TiO2 photo-catalyst showed optical absorption edge in the visible light area and exhibited excellent photo-catalytic ability for degradation of MO solution under visible irradiation. Antibacterial behavior towards E. coli was then studied under visible irradiation. The synthesized T-5%Sn-10%La powder exhibited superior antibacterial activity under visible irradiation compared to the pure TiO2.