Photochemical and magnetic activities of FeTiO3 nanoparticles by electro-spinning synthesis

Abstract Ilmenite FeTiO 3 nanoparticles were prepared by electrospinning synthesis using the sol–gel precursors, followed by the sintering at 650 °C. The pure crystalline phase was verified by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements together with Rietveld refinements. The surface properties of the nanoparticles were studied by TEM, SEM, BET and XPS measurements. The optical absorption of FeTiO 3 nanoparticles is in the visible wavelength region. The indirect allowed band gap (2.6 eV) of FeTiO 3 shows the characteristic charge-transfer (CT) transitions of O-2p→(Ti/Fe)-3d in visible light wavelength region. The photochemical properties were investigated by the methylene blue (MB) degradation under the irradiation of visible-light. FeTiO 3 nanoparticles were efficient in the photo-degradation of MB dye solutions. The photocatalysis activities and mechanisms were discussed on the crystal structure characteristics such as multivalent elements of Ti 3+ , Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ redox couples. The magnetic properties of FeTiO 3 nanoparticles were measured, which permit this photocatalyst to be recycled after the photocatalytic reactions.