IN277132: Synthesis of a novel N-doped TiV mixed oxide for overall water splitting

Synthesis of N-doped TiV mixed oxide by solid state reaction method using vanadyl (IV) sulfate, titanium (IV) oxysulfate sulfuric acid complex and N-precursors (hexamine, pyridine, urea, glycine) in the molar ratio 1:1:1, was performed in a muffle furnace by varying the temperature from 300-800°C. The samples were characterized by PXRD, optical absorption studies. Photocatalytic hydrogen production over various N-doped TiV mixed photocatalysts were investigated under UV and visible light irradiation. XRD confirmed the formation of mixed oxide. Optical absorption spectra clearly showed that all the photocatalysts are active under visible light irradiation. N-doped TiV mixed oxide prepared at 500°C using hexamine as nitrogen precursor exhibited highest activity towards photodecomposition of water to hydrogen under visible light irradiation.