Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic performance of Co/Ni Co-doped TiO2 nanopowders

Co/Ni co-doped TiO2 nanopowders (dopant amount varying from 0 to 0.75 mol.% Co/0.75 mol.% Ni) were prepared by sol-gel method. The nanopowders were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The results showed that the structure of all the powders was anatase and that the particle size of the powders was in the range of 40–50 nm. The photocatalytic performances of the nanopowders were studied by examining the degradation of methyl orange. The results showed that the dopant amount was a key factor affecting photocatalytic performance. 0.05 mol.% Co/0.05 mol.% Ni co-doped TiO2 nanopowders had the best photocatalytic performance, and the photocatalytic performance of which was also better than that of 0.1 mol.% Co- or 0.1 mol.% Ni-doped TiO2 nanopowders.