Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of mesoporous Na-doped TiO2 nano-powder prepared via a solvent-controlled non-aqueous sol–gel route

Abstract

A series of mesoporous Na doped TiO₂ nano-powders have been successfully prepared via a solvent-controlled non-aqueous sol–gel route. XRD, TEM and XPS results confirm the substitutional doping of Na at Ti sites and reduction in crystallite size. The increase in surface area and pore volume with Na doping is confirmed by N₂ adsorption–desorption measurements. The synthesized Na doped TiO₂ nano-powder revealed a superior photo-catalytic activity as compared to the synthesized TiO₂ nano-powder and commercially available P25 TiO₂. This could be attributed to the combined effect of reduced electron–hole recombination rate, increased surface area and enhanced crystallinity.