Synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and effect of cobalt doped TiO2 nanoparticle catalyst prepared by sol-gel method

Anatase TiO2 and Co doped TiO2 were prepared through sol-gel method. Powder XRD pattern confirms the formation of crystalline anatase TiO2 and amorphous Co-TiO2. DR UV-Vis absorbance shows that band gap of TiO2 is reduced to similar to 2.0-2.5 eV upon Co doping suggesting that these materials can absorb in the visible range also. FT-IR spectra confirmed that the Co-TiO2 is similar to that of pure TiO2 Raman spectra exhibit all the bands corresponding to anatase TiO2. However, for Co-TiO2 the peaks corresponding to the presence of Co clusters also appeared. BET surface area of TiO2 is 82 m(2)g(-1) and is reduced (60-45 m(2)g(-1)) upon Co doping. Nanosize (similar to 20 nm) of the Co doped TiO2 was confirmed from Transmission electron (TE) micrograph studies. Methylene blue dye degradation study have also carried out to exploit the catalytic activity of as prepared materials.