Synthesis of Cu Doped TiO2-xNy Nanopowders by Sonochemical Method and Their Photocatalytic Activity Under Simulated Solar Light Irradiation

Cu doped TiO2-xNy nanopowder has been synthesized by the sonochemical method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, UV-vis-DRS and physisorption of N-2. The result revealed that the as-prepared TiO2 photocatalyst has the anatase TiO2 crystalline phase. The specific surface area of the TiO2 was increased to 173.4 m(2)/g with the doping of Cu and N ions into the TiO2 framework. The photocatalytic activity of Cu doped TiO2-xNy nanopowders for the degradation of indigo carmine dye ( ICD) under simulated solar light enhanced as compared to TiO2-P25 and TiO2-xNy. The Cu doped TiO2-xNy nanopowders exhibited a high activity of degradation of the ICD. The results suggest that a good combination of Cu nanoparticles has great influence on the photocatalytic behavior of TiO2-xNy.