Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activities of metal ions Fe and Cu doped and co-doped TiO2

Abstract

TiO₂ nanoparticles have been doped and co-doped with two metal ions (Fe and Cu) via the wet impregnation method. The doped and co-doped TiO₂ have been characterized by standard analytical techniques like XRD, Raman spectra, FTIR, UV-Vis DRS, FESEM, and TEM. Powder XRD technique reveals that the modified catalyst majorly contains an anatase phase with the existence of metal ions in the lattice of TiO₂. Raman and UV-Vis absorption spectra of the doped and co-doped catalyst show a λ_max shift towards the longer wavelength region with an increase in metal ion concentration from 1 to 2%. FTIR patterns show the stretching and vibration patterns of the hydroxyl radicals present in the nanoparticles. FESEM images reveal that the average particle size of the modified TiO₂ lies between 18 and 24 nm due to the asymmetric shape of nano crystallite TiO₂. TEM images suggest that the doping and co-doping of metal ions do not leave any change in the shape of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, anti-cancerous activities of TiO₂ nanoparticles and Fe, Cu doped and co-doped particles have been studied, revealing the toxicity of Cu ions doped TiO₂ on cervical cancer cell line.