Preparation and characterization of TiO2 photocatalysts co-doped with iron (III) and lanthanum for the degradation of organic pollutants

► Few reports dealt with TiO2 codoped with Fe3+ and La3+. ► Fe3+ counteracts the effect of La3+ on the A-R transformation property of TiO2. ► Fe-TiO2 has a long tail in the absorption edges. ► La-TiO2 results in a red shift of the absorption. ► Fe3+ and La3+ dopants have synergistic effect for improve the photocatalytic activity.