Nitrogen-doped Nb2O5 nanobelt quasi-arrays for visible light photocatalysis

•Nitrogen-doped Nb2O5 nanobelt arrays has been prepared on metal Nb foil.•The doped N content can be controlled by adjusting the annealing temperature.•The N doped Nb2O5 nanobelt arrays is sensitive to visible light.•The N doped Nb2O5 nanobelt arrays performs excellent photocatalysis.

A novel nitrogen-doped Nb2O5 (N-Nb2O5) nanobelt quasi-arrays has been simply prepared by traditional hydrothermal reaction and followed by annealing in NH3 atmosphere on metal Nb foil. Adjusting the annealing temperature can alternate the amount of N doped. The as-prepared N-Nb2O5 nanobelt shows strong sensitivity to visible light and performs excellent photocatalysis activity. The contaminant in the water can be dissolved up to 40% after 4 h visible light irradiation. The N-Nb2O5 nanobelt photocatalyst will be a promising candidate for future water contaminant treatment.