Solvothermal synthesis of Fe–C codoped TiO2 nanoparticles for visible-light photocatalytic removal of emerging organic contaminants in water

Anatase Fe/C–TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The results showed that Fe was incorporated into TiO2 lattice by substituting Ti4+, while C was present in the form of carbonate species on the surface. Fe3+ dopants could introduce a new dopant energy level into TiO2 band gap while the carbonate species served as photosensitizer. Both of them were responsible for the visible-light photocatalytic activity of the Fe/C–TiO2. In addition, the presence of Fe dopants and carbonate species could favor the formation of surface hydroxyl groups, and inhibit recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes. Moreover, the Fe/C–TiO2 displayed larger surface area than C–TiO2 and Fe–TiO2. The synergistic effects of Fe and C codoping into TiO2 resulted in improved photocatalytic activities of Fe/C–TiO2 for degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) and clofibric acid (CA) as compared to C–TiO2, Fe–TiO2 and P25 under visible light and simulated solar light irradiation. The toxicities of BPA solutions gradually decreased throughout BPA mineralization. The photocatalytic activity of the Fe/C–TiO2 was maintained effectively even after several cyclic experiments. Finally, the possible photocatalytic mechanisms over the Fe/C–TiO2 under visible light and UV irradiation were proposed.

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► Solvothermal synthesis of visible-light photoresponsive Fe–C codoped TiO2.
► Photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of bisphenol A and clofibric acid.
► Toxicity evolution of the solutions containing pollutants in the course of photocatalytic process.
► Proposed photocatalytic mechanisms over the Fe/C–TiO2 under visible light and UV irradiation.