Extending photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles to visible region of illumination and the study of magnetic property of Er doped TiO2 nanoparticles

Erbium is a member of the lanthanide rare earth series and possess 11 electrons in the 4f shell. In the trivalent charge state the 4f electrons are shielded from the host environment by completely filled 5s and 5p electronic shells [1]. Er doped TiO2 nanocrystals are mainly used for optical applications [2-3]. Bouzidi.et.al [4] reported optical laser application of Er doped SnO2 nanoparticles. In this chapter we will first present a detail discussion on the optical properties of Er doped TiO2 nanoparticles. Then we will discuss the photocatalytic activity of the samples using visible light. In the later part of the chapter we will focus on the magnetic properties of the materials. The synthesis procedure of the material has already been discussed in Chapter-2. The structural and morphological features are studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. The elemental composition verified with the help of EDX spectra shows signature of Er, Ti, O as constituent elements in the doped samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reported in Chapter 2 establishes the +3 oxidation state of the Erbium ions.