Improved photocatalytic activity of anatase-rutile nanocomposites induced by low-temperature sol-gel Sn-modification of TiO2

The Sn-modified TiO2 photocatalysts are prepared by low-temperature sol-gel processing based on organic titanium and tin precursors with varied Sn concentrations (from 0.1–20 mol .%). role of dopant as the promotor formation rutile crystalline phase is explained optimal concentration for preparation efficient titania photocatalyst determined. Up to 40 % increase in photocatalytic activity achieved thin films dried at 150 °C low range from 0.1 1 .%. At ratio between anatase (nano)crystals obtained, which facilitates charge separation photocatalyst’s surface. When increases above 5 mol.% or when calcined 500 °C, relative amount inferior activity, nanocrystals grow, leading fewer active sites per unit mass reduction comparison unmodified TiO2.