Facile synthesis of N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles by a modified polymeric precursor method and its photocatalytic properties

Author(s)

Soares, Gabriela B. ^[1] ; Bravin, Bruno ^[1] ; Vaz, Carlos M. P. ^[2] ; Ribeiro, Caue ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Chem, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Embrapa Instrumentacao, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL; v. 106, n. 3-4, p. 287-294, AUG 11 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 45

Abstract

In recent years, significant effort has been focused on the production of visible-light activated photocatalysts such as N-doped TiO(2) for advanced oxidation processes. Thus, this paper describes a facile and simple route to produce N-doped TiO(2) nanoparticles by a modified polymeric precursor method using urea. In addition, the paper describes the characterization and photocatalytic activity evaluation of N-doped TiO(2) nanoparticles. The predominance of the anatase phase and the modification of band-gap energies in N-TiO(2) indicate that the doping process is effective: Raman spectroscopy shows bands related to TiO(x)N(1-x). The presence of N in higher amounts in the doped nanoparticles confirms the doping process which was also confirmed by X-ray photonelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Unmodified TiO(2) nanoparticles indicate higher UV-C photocatalytic activity, and the N-doped TiO(2) nanoparticles show better visible photocatalytic activity, suggesting a useful way to operate those catalysts under visible light and/or sunlight. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/10998-3 - Kinetic parameters involved in the photodegradation of pesticides catalyzed by TiO2 nanoparticles: comparative studies on the contribution of charge transfer and free radicals oxidation
• Grantee: Gabriela Byzynski Soares
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate