Structural and optical properties of MgO-doped TiO2 prepared by sol-gel method

The characteristics of MgO-doped TiO2 prepared by sol-gel method have been studied. This research aimed to analyze the influence of MgO doping on the structural and optical properties of MgO-doped TiO2 films. The films were prepared by mixing of TiO2 and MgO as precursor. The concentration of MgO was varied from 0-20%.wt of TiO2. TiO2 and MgO mixture was ball-milled for 30 minutes at 200 rpm. Then, 40 mL of methanol was added and stirred for 30 minutes. 20 mL of distilled water and 7 drops of HCL were then added, respectively and stirred for 30 minutes. The solution was precipitated at room temperature for 72 hours to become gel. The gel was deposited on a 2x2 cm of glass substrate and heated at 400°C for 2 hours. MgO-doped TiO2 films were examined using XRD, SEM-EDS, and UV-Vis spectrometers. The results exhibited that MgO doping had an impact on the emergence of MgO and MgTiO3 phases in the sample, but it does not significantly affect the crystal size. Doping of MgO also affects the transmittance and width of the optical band gap.