Effect of heat treating process on phase transformation and photocatalytic activity of Zn‐doped nano‐titania

The undoped titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and zinc‐doped TiO 2 gels were prepared by sol–gel method. The nano‐TiO 2 powders were prepared by controlling the sintering temperature. The phase compositions of the sintered samples were analysed by powder X‐ray diffraction; the microstructure was analysed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscope; the photocatalytic activity was analysed by photochemical reactions instrument. The combined action of Zn 2+ doping and heat treatment on phase transformation and photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 were analysed. The results show that, when the Zn ion doping amount is within 1–5 mol%, it promotes the conversion of anatase to rutile transition as the presence of ZnTiO 3. The photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 sintered at 700°C is better than sintered at 400°C.