Effect of Cu-doping on the structure, FT-IR and optical properties of Titania for environmental-friendly applications

Abstract In the present work, the effect of Cu-doping on the structure, FT-IR and optical properties of Titania has been explored for environmental-friendly applications. Cu-doped Titania thin films of different wt. % (0–24%) were synthesized using the spray pyrolysis technique. The surface morphology, structure, bonds’ vibrations and optical properties of the prepared thin films were studied using a scanning electron microscope, XRD analysis, FT-IR and UV–Vis.-NIR spectrophotometers respectively. The surface morphology and FT-IR spectra measurements ensure the active incorporation of Cu atoms in the host Titania matrix. The structural analysis reveals that all the prepared thin films match with the anatase phase structure of pure Titania. The absorption edges are red-shifted to the visible spectrum region as compared with that of the undoped one. 12 wt % of Cu-doped Titania is the optimal wt. % that reveals the highest visible light absorption. The direct energy bandgap ( E g d i r ) of the prepared thin films decreases from 3.47 eV to 3.14 eV as the wt. % of Cu-doped Titania increases from 0 to 12%, and then it rises again to 3.42 eV as the wt. % of Cu is increased up to 24%. Consequently , E g d i r of Titania has been tailored via Cu-doping to cover the visible light spectrum for environmentally-friendly applications.