Effect of W doping level on TiO₂ on the photocatalytic degradation of Diuron

In the present study, three compositions of W-doped titania nano-photocatalyst are synthesized via the sol–gel method. The powders obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performances of the different photocatalysts are tested with respect to the degradation of Diuron in water solutions under simulated solar light and visible light irradiation. The W_0.03Ti_0.97O₂ catalyst exhibits better photoactivity than the pure TiO₂ even under simulated solar light and visible light. This improvement in activity was attributed to photoelectron/hole separation efficiency.