Structure and UV Photocatalytic Activity of Fe3+Doped TiO2Nanocrystals Synthesized by Diffusion Combustion Flames

Fe3＋doped TiO2 nanoparicles were prepared by diffusion flame method. The prepared TiO2 were characterized by XRD, ICPAES, XPS and EPR. The activity of TiO2 nanocrystals on photodegradation of RhB was investigated under UV light irradiation and the mechanism was elaborated to demonstrate the improved photocatalysis activity of Fe3+doped TiO2 nanocrystals. The best photocatalysis activity of 0.05% Fe3+ doped TiO2 nanoparticles is attributed to the fact that Fe3+ on the near surface of TiO2 can be considered as both hole and electron traps and inhibit the charge pair recombination. However, high level Fe3+ doping in bulk TiO2 matrix would lead to charge pair recombination and undermine the photocatalytic activities of TiO2 nanoparticles.