Synthesis and Characterization of Ni2+-doped TiO2 Nanowires

Abstract

Abstract: TiO₂ nanowires doped with different amounts of Ni²⁺ ions (from 0 to 18 mol%) were synthesized by hydrothermal technique. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The XRD analysis showed that the doped samples exhibit anatase single phase. The lattice parameters remain unchanged, independent on Ni²⁺ content. Diameter of TiO₂ nanowires increased significantly with increasing concentrations of Ni²⁺. The investigated results indicate that a greater portion of the Ni²⁺ ions are well-incorporated into the anatase TiO₂ lattice. Indirect and direct band gap energies of Ni²⁺-doped TiO₂ with different doping concentration were found to be in the range from 3.24 to 2.99 eV and 3.54 to 3.35 eV, respectively.  

Keywords: TiO₂:Ni²⁺ nanowires, hydrothermal, diffuse reflection, band gap energy.