Visible-Light-Active N-Doped TiO(2) Photocatalysts: Synthesis from TiOSO(4), Characterization, and Enhancement of Stability Via Surface Modification

This paper describes the chemical engineering aspects for the preparation of highly active and stable nanocomposite photocatalysts based on N-doped TiO(2). The synthesis is performed using titanium oxysulfate as a low-cost inorganic precursor and ammonia as a precipitating agent, as well as a source of nitrogen. Mixing the reagents under a control of pH leads to an amorphous titanium oxide hydrate, which can be further successfully converted to nanocrystalline anatase TiO(2) through calcination in air at an increased temperature. The as-prepared N-doped TiO(2) provides the complete oxidation of volatile organic compounds both under UV and visible light, and the action spectrum of N-doped TiO(2) correlates to its absorption spectrum. The key role of paramagnetic nitrogen species in the absorption of visible light and in the visible-light-activity of N-doped TiO(2) is shown using the EPR technique. Surface modification of N-doped TiO(2) with copper species prevents its intense deactivation under highly powerful radiation and results in a nanocomposite photocatalyst with enhanced activity and stability. The photocatalysts prepared under different conditions are discussed regarding the effects of their characteristics on photocatalytic activity under UV and visible light.