Selective synthesis of N-doped mesoporous TiO2 phases having enhanced photocatalytic activity

This study demonstrates a simple route for synthesis of nanocrystalline N-doped titania by calcination of acidified TiCl3 in presence of urea and oxalic acid. While urea was used as a source of nitrogen, oxalic acid was found to be crucial in controlling the phase, porosity as well as the N content. Both the catalysts showed photocatalytic activity in sunlight. Thus complete photodegradation of the dye was obtained in less than 120 min. In comparison the commercial rutile TiO2 was inactive.