Photocatalytic mechanisms reactions of gallium doped TiO2 thin films synthesized by sol gel (spin coating) in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under sunlight irradiation

• Published in: Reaction kinetics, mechanisms and catalysis mechanisms and catalysis, 2022-10, Vol.135 (5), p.2735-2747
• Main Authors: Messemeche, Radhia, Benkhetta, Youcef, Attaf, Abdallah, Saidi, Hanane, Aida, Mohamed Salah, Ben khetta, Okba
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Physical Chemistry
• ISSN: 1878-5190; 1878-5204
• DOI: 10.1007/s11144-022-02288-6

Thin films of pure TiO 2 and Ti 1-x Ga x O 2 were prepared by the sol–gel method. The photocatalytic activity is tested by the degradation of the methylene blue (MB) dye under solar irradiation. Different methods are used in the characterization of materials and are X-ray diffraction, UV–visible. The results obtained show that the Ti 1-x Ga x O 2 samples exhibit an anatase phase. The grain size has decreased. The degradation of methylene blue indicates that the photocatalytic activity of Ti 1-x Ga x O 2 was significantly higher than that of pure TiO 2 . The indication of photocatalytic efficiency could be effectively improved by gallium doping. The increase of oxygen vacancy amount and the realignment of the band gap resulting in the effect of Ga may be responsible for the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity. It found that the optimal photodegradation rate of 94% at t = 180 min at the doping concentration is 4%.