Ti3+ and carbon co-doped TiO2 with improved visible light photocatalytic activity

Using ethanol as the carbon source, a series of Ti3+ and carbon co-doped TiO2 samples were successfully synthesized by an innovative and simple vacuum activation method in a one-step process. The Ti3+ self-doped TiO2 featured a high visible light photocatalytic activity that improved considerably following subsequent carbon doping modification of the catalyst surface. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The Ti3+ and C co-doped TiO2 catalyst showed a high methyl orange photo-degradation efficiency under visible light irradiation. The doping levels induced by Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies were responsible for the improved visible light response of TiO2. Simultaneously, the surface coverage of graphite on the catalyst could improve the absorption of visible light and migration efficiency of photo-induced electrons. The synergistic effects of Ti3+ self-doping and graphite coverage led to the improved visible light photocatalytic activity of Ti3+ and C co-doped TiO2.

Graphical AbstractThe synergistic effect between Ti3+ self-doping and graphite surface coverage is responsible for the improvement of the visible light photocatalytic activity of Ti3+ and carbon co-doped TiO2 catalyst.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide