Influence of Fe and Al doping on the stabilization of the anatase phase in TiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

Anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles doped with Al or Fe have been synthesized via a modified Pechini method which allows us to reach high control in size and composition. Microstructural analysis confirms the good crystallinity of the doped anatase nanoparticles with average sizes around 5 nm and dopant cationic concentrations up to 30%. The anatase to rutile transition (ART) has been thermally driven and analyzed as a function of the doping. Thermo-diffraction measurements indicate that the phase transition can be either promoted or inhibited by Fe or Al doping, respectively. The influence of Al and Fe doping on the phase transition has been discussed by means of Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, with special attention paid to the role played by Ti³⁺ at the surface. The anatase phase has been stabilized up to temperatures above 900 °C by appropriate Al doping.