In3+-doped TiO2 and TiO2/In2S3 nanocomposite for photocatalytic and stoichiometric degradations

A novel In(3+)-doped TiO(2) and TiO(2)/In(2)S(3) nanocomposites for photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants and stoichiometric degradation of warfare agents were prepared by a homogeneous hydrolysis with urea and thioacetamide, respectively. The prepared samples series TiInTAA were annealed at 600°C. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, specific surface area (BET) and porosity determination. The method of UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was employed to estimate band-gap energies. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) was tested by degradation of Orange dye, whereas stoichiometric activity was studied by degradation of sulfur mustard. Incorporation of In(3+) into titania lattice increases PCA of TiO(2) in the visible light and increases stoichiometric decomposition of sulfur mustard against nondoped TiO(2) as well. PCA of TiO(2)/In(2)S(3) composite depends on the optimal ratio of TiO(2):In(2)S(3) in composite, while the activity for stoichiometric decomposition of sulfur mustards depends on the content of In(2)S(3) in nanocomposite.