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An investigation of the role of samarium on the sol stability, particle growth, optical, and photocatalytic performance of TiO2

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Abstract

In this work, we provide a new investigation on the effect of Sm3+ doping on the sol–gel mixture and stabilization of TiO2 sol. Sm3+ dopant was initially dissolved in dilute ethanol solvent to form Sm-ethanol solvation shells. After hydrolysis, the effect of Sm-modified solvent on the growth and aggregation of TiO2 primary particles was put in evidence. 1H-NMR spectrum of Sm–TiO2 sol shows signals broadening of nBuOH and ethanol molecules without splitting effect, indicating that the two alcohols are located in solvation shells surrounding the Sm3+ cations. The stabilization of TiO2 colloidal sol is induced by the bound Sm3+-solvate species to Ti-oxo-alkoxy polymers, inhibiting the growth of TiO2 particles. In the absence of Sm3+ dopant, the TiO2 colloidal sol shows a high resolution 1H-NMR spectrum with splitting of 1H signals of ethanol and free nBuOH. SEM analysis of TiO2 consists of monodisperse spherical particles, whereas Sm–TiO2 shows a massive monolith with small particle size. These effects were correlated with TG/DTA and XRD results showing that Sm3+ dopant induces a more complex and prolonged thermal decomposition, decreasing the crystallization degree of TiO2 anatase. The effect of Sm3+ doping on UV-absorption region, adsorption capacity, and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles was also investigated.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Materials Applications in Environment, Water and Energy LAMEEE (LAM3E), Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, 2112, Gafsa, Tunisia

    Rostom Lakhdar, Chaima Ouled Amor, Mongi Ben Mosbah & Kais Elghniji

  2. Faculty of Chemistry, “AlexandruIoanCuza” University of lasi, Carol I Bd., No. 11, 700506, lasi, Romania

    Aurel Pui

  3. Organic Chemistry Laboratory (LR17ES08), Sciences Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia

    Younes Moussaoui & Ridha Ben Salem

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  1. Rostom Lakhdar
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  2. Chaima Ouled Amor
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Contributions

RL, COA, MBM, and KE contributed to conceptualization. RL, COA, MBM, and KE contributed to methodology. RL and KE contributed to software. AP, YM, RBS, and KE contributed to validation. AP, RBS, and KE contributed to formal analysis. RL, COA, and MBM contributed to investigation. RL and KE contributed to writing of original draft preparation. YM, RBS, and KE contributed to supervision. YM contributed to project administration. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Kais Elghniji.

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Lakhdar, R., Ouled Amor, C., Ben Mosbah, M. et al. An investigation of the role of samarium on the sol stability, particle growth, optical, and photocatalytic performance of TiO2. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 34, 1043 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-023-10429-3

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