Ti(3+)-self doped brookite TiO(2) single-crystalline nanosheets with high solar absorption and excellent photocatalytic CO(2) reduction

Black brookite TiO(2) single-crystalline nanosheets with outstanding photocatalytic activity toward CO(2) reduction is prepared by a facile oxidation-based hydrothermal reaction method combined with post-annealing treatment. Large amount of Ti(3+) defects are introduced into the bulk of brookite nanoparticles, which increases the solar energy absorption and enhances the photocatalytic activity.