SOL-GEL SYNTHESIS OF RUTILE TIO2 NANOPARTICLES AND ITS APPLICATION IN DEGRADATION OF METHYLENE BLUE AND CONGO RED DYE

Abstract

The synthesis of rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles using the sol-gel method is investigated for its potential application in degradation of methylene blue and congo red dye. The sol-gel technique offers precise control over particle size, morphology, and surface properties, thus enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. The synthesis process involves the hydrolysis and condensation of titanium precursor under controlled conditions to form a stable sol, followed by gelation and calcination to obtain rutile TiO2 nanoparticles. Various characterization techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared radiation (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), DLS (Dynamic light scanning), and Zeta potential, were employed to analyze the structural, morphological, and surface properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. The photodegradation activity of dye (methylene blue, congo red) under direct sunlight was carried out by synthesized rutile TiO2 nanoparticles. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the synthesized rutile TiO2 nanoparticles in dye degradation, highlighting their potential for environmental remediation and wastewater treatment applications.