Preparation of visible light sensitive nano-sized N-TiO_2 photocatalysts and their photocatalytic activity under visible light

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to develop a photocatalyst that responds to visible light. For the preparation of visible light sensitive photocatalysts, N was doped into TiO_2 (N-TiO_2). To inhibit the recombination of excited electrons and holes, transition metals (M = Pt, Cu, Fe, Cr) were loaded on the N-TiO_2. N-TiO_2 nanotubes were also synthesized by a hydrothermal treatment of the prepared N-TiO_2 in a strong basic environment. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, XPS, and UV/VIS spectrophotometer, and their photocatalytic activity was tested by the photodecomposition of liquid-phase methylene blue and gas-phase acetone.