title: The influence of preparation method, nitrogen source, and post-treatment on the photocatalytic activity and stability of N-doped TiO2 nanopowder.
abstract: NH(3) plasma, N(2) plasma, and annealing in flowing NH(3) were used to prepare N doped TiO(2), respectively. XRD, UV-vis spectroscopy, N(2) adsorption, FT-IR, Zeta-potential measurement, and XP spectra were used to characterize the prepared TiO(2) samples. The nitridation procedure did not change the phase composition and particle sizes of TiO(2) samples, but extended its absorption edges to the visible light region. The photocatalytic activities were tested in the degradation of an aqueous solution of a reactive dyestuff, methylene blue, under visible light. The photocatalytic activity and stability of TiO(2) prepared by NH(3) plasma were much higher than that of samples prepared by other nitridation procedures. The visible light activity of the prepared N doped TiO(2) was improved by increasing the lattice-nitrogen content and decreasing adsorbed NH(3) on catalyst surface. The lattice-nitrogen stability of N-doped TiO(2) samples improved after HCl solution washing. The possible mechanism for the photocatalysis was proposed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Eco-environmental Sciences, Liaoning Shihua University, Fushun 113001, PR China. hushaozheng001@163.com
authors.forename: Shaozheng
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Fayun
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Zhiping
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Fan
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D002384:Catalysis; D008027:Light; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000302:isolation & purification; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D011208:Powders; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D011208:Powders; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium; D009584:Nitrogen; D008751:Methylene Blue