Synthesis of high-activity F-doped TiO2 photocatalyst via a simple one-step hydrothermal process

Abstract

A simple method for preparing F-doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with high visible light photocatalytic activity was developed using TiCl4 and HF as TiO2 and fluorine precursors in HCl solution by a one-step hydrothermal treatment without any organic species. The presence of HF plays an important role in the formation of the F-doped shuttle-like anatase TiO2 nanostructures. XRD analysis showed that the F− could prevent the transformation of anatase to rutile in HCl solution. Compared with ordinary TiO2, the F-doped TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized at 180 °C exhibited better photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. Possible formation mechanism of F-doped anatase TiO2 under hydrothermal conditions was discussed.