Enhanced photocatalytic, antimicrobial activity and photovoltaic characteristics of fluorine doped TiO2 synthesized under ultrasound irradiation

Pure and fluorine doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by the chemical reaction method under ultrasonication. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopic techniques (SEM). The effect of fluorine doping on crystal structure, antimicrobial activity, photocatalytic activity and photovoltaic characteristics were studied. Fluorine doped TiO2 nanoparticles was found to be strong antibacterial agent. The phase transformations from anatase to rutile and increase in the particle size of catalysts were found in fluorine doping, which was verified by XRD patterns. FT-IR analysis indicated the involvement of hydroxyl groups on fluoride adsorption. Fluorine doped TiO2 has higher photocatalytic activity compared to pure TiO2. Further, it shows strong and distinct diode characteristics in photovoltaics. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.