Nitrogen, carbon and iron multiple-co doped titanium dioxide nanotubes as a new high-performance photo catalyst

Abstract

Nitrogen, carbon and iron multiple-co doped titanium dioxide nanotubes (FeCN/TiO2) were fabricated by using electrochemical anodization in combination with chemical bath deposition. The morphology, crystal phase, chemical composition and photo catalytic activity of the prepared samples were evaluated using various characterization techniques. Results showed that the fabricated films have porous morphology that their inner diameter is around 35–60 nm. Diffuse reflectance spectra showed an increase in the visible absorption relative to bare titania nanotubes. Iron–carbon–nitrogen (FeCN) was successfully anchored on the titania nanotubes, which enhanced the photo catalytic activity of the FeCN/TiO2, as indicated by the efficient removal of Rhodamine B. FeCN/TiO2 photo catalyst showed good stability and they could be recycled several times without significant loss of its activity. The enhancement of photo-activity can be attributed to not only the huge surface area of TiO2 nanotubes but also to possible band gap states created by the addition of Fe, N and C into the TiO2 lattice. Since the FeCN/TiO2 electrodes can be easily removed and replaced after the photo catalytic reaction, avoiding the filtration step after photoreaction or the immobilizing process required for photo catalyst particles, the operation in the photo-reactor becomes much easier from an engineering point of view. The process developed in this study is facile, reproducible and inexpensive and can be easily scaled up.