One-step solvothermal synthesis of N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles with high photocatalytic activity in the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI)

N-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized via a one-step low temperature (180 °C) solvothermal route, which adopted NH4NO3 as the nitrogen source. The structure, composition, BET specific surface area, and optical properties of the as-synthesized product were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In addition, its photocatalytic properties were tested by the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) under UV and visible light (x > 420 nm) irradiation. It was observed that for the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI), the as-synthesized N-TiO2 nanoparticles not only exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than P25 TiO2 under UV light, but also exhibited remarkably high photocatalytic activity under visible light (λ > 420 nm).

Graphical abstractN-doped TiO2 nanoparticles with large specific surface area and remarkable visible light-absorbing ability were synthesized by a one-step low temperature solvothermal method, which used NH4NO3 as the nitrogen source. The as-synthesized N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited considerably high photocatalytic activity in the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) under UV and visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide