Synthesis of Cerium-Doped Titania Nanoparticles and Nanotubes

Cerium-doped titania nanoparticles and nanotubes were synthesized via hydrothermal processes. X-Ray Diffraction revealed that cerium-doped titania nanoparticles have an anatase crystal structure, while cerium-doped titania nanotubes have an H2Ti3O7-type structure. Scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that both types of titania are well crystallized with relatively uniform size distribution. The photocatalytic degradation of methylthioninium chloride known as methylene blue dye was tested and both cerium-doped titania nanoparticles and nanotubes. The preliminary photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue data showed significantly improved visible light photocatalytic activities as compared to commercial titania powders.