Scientific Nexus
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Scientific Nexus

Sol-gel synthesis and characterization of iron- and nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts for enhanced rhodamine B degradation

Ilma Maulidina (Department of Physics, Faculty of science, Sumatera Institute of Technology, 35365, Indonesia)
Dwi Febrianti (Department of Physics, Faculty of science, Sumatera Institute of Technology, 35365, Indonesia)
Priyan Prayogo (Department of Master Physics, Faculty of science, Sumatera Institute of Technology, 35365, Indonesia)
Rifqi Almusawi Rafsanjani (Mathematic and Science Faculty, University of Indonesia, 16424, Indonesia)
Iin Riananda (Department of Master Physics, Faculty of science, Sumatera Institute of Technology, 35365, Indonesia)
Ridho Hidayat (Department of Chemistry, Sumatera Institute of Technology, 35365, Indonesia)
Laila Khafidatul Rosidah (Department of Physics, Faculty of science, Sumatera Institute of Technology, 35365, Indonesia)
Jesica Violina (Department of Physics, Faculty of science, Sumatera Institute of Technology, 35365, Indonesia)
Posman Manurung (Department of Physics, University of Lampung, 3514, Indonesia)
Herman (Physics of Magnetic and Photonic Research Group division, FMIPA, ITB, Bandung, Indonesia)
Yayat Iman Supriyatna (National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Iskandar Zulkarnain Tanjung Bintang Tanjung Bintang, Indonesia)
Okta Ferli Suryadi (Department of Physics, Faculty of science, Sumatera Institute of Technology, 35365, Indonesia)
Indra Pardede (Department of Physics, Faculty of science, Sumatera Institute of Technology, 35365, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jul 2025

Abstract

Rhodamine B is a carcinogenic synthetic dye extensively used in textile and food industries, requiring effective removal from wastewater. Conventional titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalysts demonstrate limited effectiveness under solar irradiation due to ultraviolet light activation requirements. This study evaluated strategic modification of TiO₂ electronic structure through low-concentration iron and nitrogen doping to enhance visible-light photocatalytic performance for rhodamine B degradation. Nanoscale TiO₂ materials were synthesized using sol-gel methodology and doped with iron and nitrogen precursors. Comprehensive characterization employed X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate structural, optical, and morphological properties. Structural analysis confirmed preservation of anatase crystalline phase with 12.94 nanometer average crystallite size. Optical characterization revealed bandgap modifications from 3.27 eV for pure TiO₂ to 2.85 eV for iron-doped and 3.25 eV for nitrogen-doped samples. Nitrogen-doped TiO₂ achieved superior rhodamine B degradation efficiencies of 94.16% under ultraviolet irradiation and 83.34% under visible light, significantly outperforming pure and iron-doped materials. Enhanced performance resulted from optimized charge carrier dynamics balancing improved light harvesting with reduced electron-hole recombination. These findings establish a practical approach for developing cost-effective, solar-responsive photocatalysts for sustainable wastewater treatment applications.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

scinexus

Publisher

Subject

Astronomy Chemistry Earth & Planetary Sciences Materials Science & Nanotechnology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Scientific Nexus is a peer-reviewed scientific journal publishing research articles, review articles, short communications, editorials, and perspectives within the scope of Science, covering but not limited to: Physics Biomedicine Chemistry Drug Discovery and Development Atmospheric and Planetary ...