Non-hydrolytic sol–gel synthesis of Ag- and Au-doped TiO₂ nanocomposite: structural and optical properties
Rupali Shashikant Patil1, Hemant Shankar Suryawanshi1, Rahul Siddharth Salunke2 and Prakash Baburao Rathod1
School of Chemical Sciences,Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon,Maharashtra - 425001,India1
School of Electronics and Materials Sciences,Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon,Maharashtra - 425001,India2
School of Electronics and Materials Sciences,Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon,Maharashtra - 425001,India2
Corresponding Author : Prakash Baburao Rathod
Recieved : 01-March-2026; Revised : 22-March-2026; Accepted : 24-March-2026
Abstract
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely applied semiconductor material due to its promising electronic properties and chemical stability; however, in the ultraviolet region its optical absorption is limited. To overcome this limitation TiO2 has been doped with different metals like Au and Ag. In the present work, Ag and Au doped TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized using a non-hydrolytic sol-gel method to enhance their optical properties. The Ag 0.5 wt. % doping concentration was maintained and the varying concentration of gold doping (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt.%) and annealing temperature (200 to 800 °C) was investigated systematically. The structural and compositional studies were done by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The optical studies were conducted using the ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. The results confirmed the successful doping of Ag and Au into the TiO2 lattice while maintaining the anatase phase. An enhancement in UV absorbance was observed for Ag and Au doped TiO2 compared to bare TiO2. The Au doped TiO2 revealing superior optical response. Optimal absorbance was obtained at 0.5 wt.% Au doping and an annealing temperature of 600 °C. The observed improvement in optical absorption following noble metal doping indicates enhanced light matter interaction, suggesting that these materials are promising candidates for energy related applications, particularly as photoactive components in solar energy systems.
Keywords
Titanium dioxide, Ag-doped TiO₂, Au doped TiO₂, Non-hydrolytic sol–gel method, UV–visible spectroscopy.
Cite this article
Patil RS, Suryawanshi HS, Salunke RS, Rathod PB. Non-hydrolytic sol–gel synthesis of Ag- and Au-doped TiO₂ nanocomposite: structural and optical properties. Energy Intelligence and Sustainability. 2026;2(2):1-9. DOI : 10.19101/EIS.2025.11007
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