Preparation and photocatalytic application of nonmetallic doped TiO2 films with narrow band gap

Abstract

TiO2 thin film has become a widely used photocatalyst due to its stable chemical properties, suitable edge position, non-toxicity and low cost, and the film structure is conducive to recycling and loading. However, because the band gap of titanium dioxide is relatively wide, visible light is difficult to be utilized, which also limit the utilization of TiO2. In recent years, non-metallic doping has been proven to be an extraordinarily efficient methodologies to reduce band gap and improve photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 films. In this paper, the basic principle of photocatalysis and the principle of reducing band gap by doping inorganic non-metallic elements are briefly introduced, and the preparation methods of N, C and B inorganic non-metallic elements doped TiO2 films are reviewed, as well as their functions on reducing band gap of TiO2. Finally, the research status of inorganic non-metallic element doped TiO2 thin film in photodecomposition of water and organic decomposition in catalytic solution was introduced.