Abstract
Research into the development of efficient semiconductor photocatalytic materials is a promising approach to solving environmental and energy problems worldwide. Among these materials, TiO2 photocatalysts are one of the most commonly used due to their efficient photoactivity, high stability, low cost and environmental friendliness. However, since the UV content of sunlight is less than 5%, the development of visible light-activated TiO2-based photocatalysts is essential to increase the solar energy efficiency. Here, we review recent works on advanced visible light-activated Ti3+-self-doped TiO2 (Ti3+–TiO2) photocatalysts with improved electronic band structures for efficient charge separation. We analyze the different methods used to produce Ti3+–TiO2 photocatalysts, where Ti3+ with a high oxygen defect density can be used for energy production from visible light. We categorize advanced modifications in electronic states of Ti3+–TiO2 by improving their photocatalytic activity. Ti3+–TiO2 photocatalysts with large charge separation and low recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes can be practically applied for energy conversion and advanced oxidation processes in natural environments and deserve significant attention.
Highlights
Environmental pollution and sustainable energy development are controversial issues we all face today [1]
We focus on the development of advanced Ti3+ –TiO2 for efficient solar energy harvesting of TiO2 photocatalysts
We provide the latest reports on synthesis methods of Ti3+ –TiO2 -based photocatalysts and their application efficiencies
Summary
Environmental pollution and sustainable energy development are controversial issues we all face today [1]. Ti3+ –TiO2 has been developed with modifications of the electronic structures to extend TiO2 photocatalyst to highly efficient visible light harvesting. We focus on the development of advanced Ti3+ –TiO2 for efficient solar energy harvesting of TiO2 photocatalysts. Ti3+ –TiO2 is oxygen-deficient (TiO2−x ) and was first reported in 2011 by Chem et al They produced defects on the TiO2 surface and called the resulting material ‘disorder-engineered black TiO2 .’ This method reduced the light absorption band gap of to 1.5 eV, suggesting the possibility of using it for visible light catalysis by increasing solar absorption efficiency. Many efforts have been discussed to overcome the disadvantages of photocatalytic efficiencies of Ti3+ –TiO2 due to low charge separation and high recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes.
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