Synthesis and Characterization of the N-Doped TiO2 Photocatalyst for the Photodegradation of Methylene Blue and Phenol
To extend the light absorption of TiO2-based photocatalysts towards the visible-light range and to eliminate the rapid recombination of excited electrons/holes during photoreaction, a new type of photocatalyst (N-doped TiO2) powder was prepared through a simple
sol–gel process. The crystal phase composition, structure, and light absorption of the new photocatalyst were comprehensively examined via X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, and atomic-absorption spectroscopy. The photo-oxidation efficiency of the
photocatalyst was also evaluated in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and of phenol in aqueous solutions under visible-light irradiation from a neon lamp (λ > 400 nm). The results of the analyses that were performed in this study indicated that the N-doped TiO2
could eliminate the electron/holes recombination and could increase the light absorption in the visible range. The results of the analysis of the UV-Vis diffuse reflection and optical-absorption spectra indicated that a new energy level below 3.2 eV generated in the N-doped TiO2
promoted the optical absorption in the visible-light region and made visible-light excitation possible (E < 3.2 eV). The experiment demonstrated that the photo-oxidation efficiency of MB when N-doped TiO2 powder was used was significantly higher than that when the conventional
TiO2 powders were used. The development of such photocatalyst may be considered a breakthrough in the large-scale utilization of solar energy to address the current and future environmental needs.
Keywords: N-DOPED TIO2; PHOTOCATALYST; PHOTODEGRADATION; SYNTHESIS
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 July 2011
- Journal for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (JNN) is an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal with a wide-ranging coverage, consolidating research activities in all areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology into a single and unique reference source. JNN is the first cross-disciplinary journal to publish original full research articles, rapid communications of important new scientific and technological findings, timely state-of-the-art reviews with author's photo and short biography, and current research news encompassing the fundamental and applied research in all disciplines of science, engineering and medicine.
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