Photocatalytic activity of Li-doped TiO2 nanoparticles: Synthesis via ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal route

Abstract We have proposed a simple one pot synthesis of lithium-doped TiO 2 nanoparticles (TiO 2 :Li) via an ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal method and their potential use as a photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dye, as well as the reduction of toxic Cr 6+ to non toxic Cr 3+ . The structure of TiO 2 :Li nanoparticles was examined by XRD, FTIR, XPS, Raman, UV–vis, Photoluminescence spectroscopy and morphology by SEM and TEM. The incorporation of Li into anatase-phase TiO 2 affected the optical properties of the resultant TiO 2 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO 2 :Li nanoparticles was determined by degradation of trypan blue. Degradation studies showed improved photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 :Li nanoparticles compared to TiO 2 nanoparticles and bulk TiO 2 . TiO 2 :Li nanoparticles also functioned as a detoxification agent which was confirmed by the reduction of Cr 6+ to Cr 3+ .