Influence of metal and non-metal ions doping on the structural and photocatalytic properties of titania films

The metal (Zn 2+  or Zr 4+ ) and non-metal (nitrogen) doped titania films are synthesized by sol-gel method. High absorption in the visible region is observed and the band gap values are estimated for indirect electron transition. The decrease in the intensity and broadening of the anatase peaks in XRD spectra for TiO 2 /N films with increasing urea contents are observed. Anatase formation in the films with double doping agents is proven by Raman measurements. XPS clarified the chemical state of the elements, their surface ratios and the incorporation of nitrogen in the matrix of the synthesized films. XPS results show that the substitutional nitrogen is only registered for TiO 2 /Zr 4+ /N. Photocatalytic properties are estimated in the process of tetracycline destruction reaction. The increase of the film activity by factor three is noted for TiO 2 /N. Modification TiO 2 /N by metal ions has no influence on the photocatalytic properties under UV and visible light.