Effect of impurities in TiO2 thin films on trichloroethylene conversion

Abstract In this study, we investigate the physical properties and photocatalytic activities of TiO 2 thin films doped with low valence (Fe 3+ , Co 2+ , and Ni 2+ ) and high valence (Mo 5+ , Nb 5+ , and W 6+ ) cations. Clear difference in results from various analytical tools between groups was identified. The presence of different oxidation states and a higher degree of crystallinity in the high valence cation doped-TiO 2 thin films seemed beneficial in terms of the transfer and separation of photo-generated electrons and holes in the TiO 2 medium and on the surface, resulting in higher photocatalytic conversion of trichloroetylene.