Synthesis and physicochemical properties of titanium(IV)- and cobalt(II)-Based photocatalytic oxide composites

Abstract

We have studied the phase transitions, morphology, and photocatalytic activity of composites based on titanium(IV) and cobalt(II) oxides at Co doping levels from 0.5 to 60 wt % and heat-treatment temperatures from 80 to 1150°C. The highest photocatalytic activity under illumination in the spectral range λ ≥ 670 nm is offered by mesoporous X-ray amorphous and multiphase (X-ray amorphous phase, anatase, rutile, and CoTiO₃) nanomaterials containing 5–20 wt % Co, whereas two-phase materials (rutile + CoTiO₃) have the lowest photocatalytic activity.