Synthesis and Structure of Carbon‐doped TiO₂ by Carbothermal Treatment

Carbon modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising candidate for catalytic applications or fuel cells, where the oxide could replace currently used catalyst support materials. Carbothermally treated TiO2 was successfully prepared by annealing under acetylene/nitrogen gas flow in rotary tube furnace. The carbon content samples ranged from 5 to 14.5 wt.-% as determined thermogravimetric measurements. powders showed suppression of phase transition anatase rutile up treatment temperature 825°C. Above 600°C thermodynamically stable phase, therefore must be attributed either lattice reducing atmosphere Raman spectra revealed characteristic G and D bands, indicating formation carbonaceous species samples. In addition, shift Eg(1) band observed disorder pointing toward incorporation into lattice. Diffuse reflectance show sub gap absorption together with edge. Depending on extraction method gaps spectra, values decrease increase increasing content. Details evaluation interpretation are discussed.