Enhanced photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO2 nanocrystals with exposed {001} facets

Abstract

N-doped TiO2 nanocrystals with exposed {001} facets have been synthesized by a two-step method. Firstly, we synthesized anatase TiO2 nanocrystals with exposed {001} facets by an original hydrothermal method using HBF4 and n-BA to coordinated the regulation of size and morphology. Then, ethylenediamine has been used as N dopant source to dope with the as-prepared TiO2 nanocrystals. The effects of both HBF4 and n-BA in synthesis of anatase TiO2 nanocrystals with exposed {001} facets have been investigated. The enlarged localized profiles of the XRD pattern and XPS spectra demonstrate the existence of N element. The photocatalytic property studies showed that the N-doped TiO2 nanocrystals with exposed {001} facets exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than that of the N-doped P25, which might be ascribed to the high percentage of exposed {001} facets. In addition, the stability study suggests that the as-synthesized photocatalyst is a promising material for the application of wastewater purification.