Photocatalytic studies of TiO2 nanomaterials prepared via facile wet chemical route

Abstract TiO 2 nanomaterials (NPs) were synthesized by a green mediated combustion route by using Aloe Vera peel. The obtained products were characterized by PXRD, DRS and SEM. PXRD patterns show typical anatase phase with peaks at 2θ = 25.3, 37.7, 47.8, 54, and 62.7 and rutile phase with peaks at (2θ = 26.5 and 40.0) which is in agreement with 21-1272 standard card from JCPDS. The crystallite size calculated from Scherrer’s formula was found to be in the range 20-45 nm. SEM images clearly reveal that irregular, pourous and cone type morphologies. The optical band gap decreases from 3.50eV to 3.20eV and it is confirmed by DRS . Further, it was investigated for the PC decolorization of Malachite green. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 was attributed to effective crystallite size, textural properties, decreased band gap and capability for reducing the electron–hole pair recombination. These findings open up new avenues for the exploration of TiO 2 in eco-friendly water applications.