Preparation of fusiform Ti3+ self-doped TiO2 nanoparticles by mixed solvothermal method and its photoelectrochemical properties

Abstract

Ti3+ self-doped TiO2 nanoparticles with fusiform-like morphology were prepared via a facile mixed solvothermal method to optimize the use of visible light and reduce the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. The physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activities of the nanoparticles were studied under visible light irradiation. The amounts of triethylamine content in the solvent affect the crystallinity, morphology and photoelectrochemical properties. The crystallinity and morphology of the samples can be controlled by changing the triethylamine concentration. Transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results indicated that the sample with the largest aspect ratio had the highest photocurrent density and electron–hole separation efficiency.