Preparation and photocatalytic activity of boron-modified TiO2 under UV and visible light

Synthesis of new boron-containing TiO2 powders (B-TiO2) and their activity under UV and visible light are reported. The catalysts were prepared by the sol–gel method and by grinding anatase powder with a dopant. Boric acid triethyl ester and boric acid were used as boron sources in both catalysts preparation procedures. The photocatalytic activity of obtained powders in UV and visible light was estimated by measuring the decomposition rate of phenol (0.21 mmol/dm3) in an aqueous solution. Carbon and boron presence in all prepared photocatalysts was confirmed by the XPS technique. The oxidation state of B atoms incorporated in TiO2 particles was mainly B3+, as determined from the X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). It was confirmed that boron-doped TiO2 was activated by visible light and used as effective catalyst in photooxidation reactions.