Effect of Temperature on the Structural and Optical Properties of Pure Anatase TiO₂ Nanoparticles Synthesized using Glycerol for the Enhancement of Photocatalytic Degradation of Congo Red Dye

This study examines the degradation of congo red (CR) dye enhanced by TiO ₂ nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized by glycerine-assisted co-precipitation with microwave irradiation method, as a photocatalyst. XRD and Raman analysis confirm the anatase phase, TEM study shows the polycrystalline nature and EDAX analysis reveals the presence of titanium and oxygen in the sample. Optical absorption edge of the as-prepared TiO ₂ NPs redshifts with an increase in the annealing temperature, indicates a decrease in the band gap energies. The study evaluates the effect of photocatalyst dosage, pH of the dye solution, and irradiation time under UV light on the degradation of CR dye. Photocatalytic result shows the percentage of dye degradation increases in the presence of the as-prepared TiO ₂ NPs (catalyst) and UV irradiation.