Influence of Milling Time, NH3 Additive and Annealing Temperature on Physical Properties of Modified Commercial TiO2 Powders via Ball Milling Process

Abstract

N-doped TiO2 were prepared via ball milling process with different operating times and annealing temperatures. Commercial TiO2 anatase powders used as TiO2 precursor were dispersed in ammonia solution for nitrogen source. Ball milled TiO2 powders at various times were annealed in nitrogen atmosphere at different temperatures. Physical properties and surface morphologies after ball milling process were monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The component of samples was characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The active surface area of the samples was investigated by Brunauer Emmet Teller method. SEM result indicated that large particle of TiO2 precursor could be reduced via ball milling process leading to high active surface area by the increase of milling time. XRD result showed the crystalline structures of TiO2 after milling process and nitrogen annealing were identical to TiO2 precursor structure. Meanwhile, the appearance of impurity phase in TiO2 precursor was also depreciated via ball milling process with ammonia solution and annealing under nitrogen atmosphere.