Structural and morphological analysis of Zn-Doped Anatase TiO2 using precipitation method

Abstract

Pelletized powders of undoped and zinc-doped TiO₂ (0% and 5% mol) were synthesized using precipitation method and doped samples were calcined at 350 ̊C, 550 ̊C, and 800 ̊C. The formed pellet samples were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The SEM images revealed the agglomerated spherical-like morphology of the undoped and Zn-doped TiO₂ at 350 ̊C at about 18-21 nm in size. EDX spectrum revealed presence of zinc confirming the possibility of doping metal ions into titania using precipitation method. The XRD patterns of 5% mol Zn-doped TiO₂ confirmed tetragonal structure of titania and the peaks confirmed transformation of anatase to rutile at 800 ̊C.