Synthesis, structure, and photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide and some of its surface-modified derivatives

Abstract

Titania-based heterogeneous photocatalysis has been extensively studied at both solid-liquid and solid-gas interfaces. Numerous efforts have been directed to improving the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 in both the UV and the visible wavelength ranges. To enhance the photoactivity, a number of techniques for the doping of TiO2 with various elements have been developed. This chapter presents a brief discussion of three promising materials: phosphate-, nitrogen-, and silver-modified TiO2. Phosphate- and silver-modified TiO2 exhibited very high photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation, while the nitrogen-doped TiO2 had visible light activity. The modified TiO2 derivates were prepared by simple chemical methods and studied by various surface and structural investigation techniques. The effects of the dopant concentration on the structure and photocatalytic activity are discussed.