Tuning the Microstructure and Properties of the Anatase TiO2 Thin Films via Nd Doping

Thin films of Nd-doped TiO2 were fabricated using sol–gel dip-coating. X-ray powder diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer, and LCR meter were used for characterization. The formation of the anatase phase was confirmed by XRD spectra and FTIR spectra. The crystallite size was evaluated by using the Scherer formula that was found to fluctuate between 6.86 and 9.66 nm; it increased from 1 to 4 wt% and then decreased for 5 wt% which is explained in terms of nucleation. The blue shift was observed in transmission spectra with increasing dopant concentration. Antimicrobial testing was carried out against one fungal strain, Aspergillus fumigatus, and four different bacteria S. Aureus, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, and E. coli. 2 and 4 wt% Nd-doped TiO2 showed the highest antibacterial and photocatalytic activity, respectively. The AC conductivity was found to be enhanced by Nd doping. Magnetic analysis reveals that trivalent doping of (Nd3+) ions in the host Ti–O lattice enhanced the ferromagnetic behavior.