Mo-doped TiO2 using plasma in contact with liquids: advantages and limitations

BACKGROUND The presented work focuses on the comparison of sorption and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 doped with molybdenum using different methods of Mo loading. The structural and photocatalytic characteristics of doped TiO2 are determined by the method of synthesis and loading of the dopant element. As an alternative to simple wet chemical loading, three types of low-temperature plasma in contact with liquid are considered: atmospheric pressure glow discharge, underwater diaphragm discharge, and underwater plasma. RESULTS The results show that the introduction of Mo, regardless of the doping method, leads to a decrease in the band gap. The surface characteristics of powders depend on the doping method. The sorption capacity increases two to three times, and the efficiency of photodestruction increases from 52% to 96% when exposed to visible light for 60 min. CONCLUSIONS A comparison of the sorption and photocatalytic activity of Mo-doped TiO2 showed the inexpediency of using a glow discharge for doping. The synthesis of a highly efficient sorbent or photocatalyst can be determined by the type of underwater plasma. (c) 2020 Society of Chemical Industry