A novel single-step synthesis of N-doped TiO2 via a sonochemical method

A novel single-step synthetic method for the preparation of anatase N-doped TiO2 nanocrystalline at low temperature has been devoleped. The N-doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by sonication of the solution of tetraisopropyl titanium and urea in water and isopropyl alcohol at 80 °C for 150 min. The as-prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis absorption spectrum. The product structure depends on the reaction temperature and reaction time. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared photocatalyst was evaluated via the photodegradation of an azo dye direct sky blue 5B. The results show that the N-doped TiO2 nanocrystalline prepared via sonication exhibit an excellent photocatalytic activity under UV light and simulated sunlight.

Graphical abstractThe N-doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by sonochemical method. The as-prepared sample is characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS and UV–Vis DRS. The photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was evaluated by the photodegradation of an azo dye direct sky blue 5B.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A novel singal-step sonochemical synthesis method for the preparation of anatase N-doped TiO2 nanocrystalline at low temperature has been devoleped. ► The as-prepared sample is characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS and UV–Vis DRS. ► The photodegradation of azo dye direct sky blue 5 showed that the N-doped TiO2 catalyst is of high visible-light photocatalytic activity.