Qattali, S. Mohd. YonosS. Mohd. YonosQattaliNasir, JamalJamalNasirPritzel, ChristianChristianPritzelKowald, TorstenTorstenKowaldSakalli, YilmazYilmazSakalliMoni, S. M. Fuad KabirS. M. Fuad KabirMoniGünne, Jörn Schmedt auf derJörn Schmedt auf derGünneWickleder, ClaudiaClaudiaWicklederTrettin, R.R.TrettinKillian, Manuela S.Manuela S.Killian2026-01-052026-01-052024https://dspace.ub.uni-siegen.de/handle/ubsi/7861One of the most significant global challenges for humans is environmental pollution. The technology to control this problem is the utilization of semiconductors as photocatalysts. In the current study, iron-doped titania nanotubes (Fe/TiNTs) with increased photocatalytic effect were synthesized via a modified hydrothermal method. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), gas adsorption, electron spin resonance (ESR) and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). TEM results indicated that Fe/TiNTs have a tubular and uniform structure with an average outer diameter of 23–48 nm and length of 10–15 µm. ESR and DRS revealed that Fe3+ ions were successfully introduced into the TiNT structure by replacing Ti4+ ions. An enhanced light absorption in the range of 400–600 nm additionally indicated successful doping. The band gap was narrowed as iron wt% was increased. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in the presence of Fe/TiNTs and TiTNs by monitoring the degradation of MO under UV light irradiation. An acceleration on the hydration of Portland cement was observed in the presence of 2.0 wt% Fe/TiNTs. Fe/TiNTs can be used as a nanomaterial in cement-based building materials to provide self-cleaning properties to the surface of concrete even in indoor environments.enCC BYPhotocatalysisMaterials scienceDopingCharacterization (materials science)NanotechnologyChemical engineeringMetallurgyEngineeringChemistryOptoelectronicsCatalysisOrganic chemistryArticle10.3390/constrmater4020017