N-P25-assisted MIL-125 derived porous nitrogen doped and carbon modified TiO2 mixed-phase junction photocatalyst for KA oil synthesis

Abstract

Porous anatase/rutile mixed-phase TiO2 with nitrogen doping and carbon modification was synthesized by selecting MIL-125(Ti) as the template and in-situ carbon source as well as nitrogen-doped P25 (N-P25) as the mixed-phase modifier and nitrogen source. The obtained photocatalyst showed cake-like morphology and large specific surface area, and double regulation of carbon amount and mixed-phase ratio was achieved. The carbon species was deposited on the anatase TiO2 matrix via the Ti-O-C bridge, and the light absorption ability was largely improved by carbon modification and nitrogen doping. The photogenerated electrons can be stored and transferred to porous TiO2 matrix by surface carbon species, and the photoinduced carriers can be effectively separated in the TiO2 mixed-phase junction. Therefore, high KA oil yield from cyclohexane oxidation and selectivity to ketone were achieved, and corresponding reaction mechanism was revealed. This work provides a novel route for the construction of efficient photocatalysts towards fine chemicals’ synthesis.