Bachvarova-Nedelcheva A.Yordanov S.Iordanova R.Stambolova I.Stoyanova A.Georgieva N.Nemska V.2024-07-102024-07-102024-07-102024-07-102021-07-011420-304910.3390/molecules26133824SCOPUS_ID:85109190551https://rlib.uctm.edu/handle/123456789/656TiO2 nanopowders modified by Nd and Sm were prepared using the sol-gel technique. It was found by XRD analysis that the samples containing Sm are amorphous up to 300◦C, while those with Nd preserve a mixed organic-inorganic amorphous structure at higher temperatures (400◦C). The TiO2 (rutile) was not detected up to 700◦C in the presence of both modified oxides. TiO2 (anatase) crystals found at about 400◦C in the Sm-modified sample exhibited an average crystallite size of about 25–30 nm, while doping with Nd resulted in particles of a lower size—5–10 nm. It was established by DTA that organic decomposition is accompanied by significant weight loss occurring in the temperature range 240–350◦C. Photocatalytic tests showed that the samples heated at 500◦C possess photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation toward Malachite green organic dye. Selected compositions exhibited good antimicrobial activity against E. coli K12 and B. subtilis.enArticle