Photocatalytic characteristics of boron and nitrogen doped titania film synthesized by micro-arc oxidation

A boron and nitrogen co-doped titania catalyst was synthesized by micro-arc oxidation to obtain high efficiency and wide application through the extension of photocatalytic activity into the visible-light region. During micro-arc oxidation process, which is known as an energy saving and environmentally friendly method, boron and nitrogen ions in the electrolyte were incorporated into the interstitial site of TiO2. The presence of B and N as doping elements was confirmed by XPS analysis. The surface characteristics of the synthesized B,N co-doped titania film were investigated by SEM and XRD. The synthesized TiO2 film showed an excellent adherence to the titanium substrate. For estimation of photocatalytic activity, photocurrent response and dye decomposition tests were performed, and the B, N co-doped TiO2 exhibited much higher dye degradation rate, rate constant, and photocurrent response.