Efficient visible light driven photocatalytic removal of NO with aerosol flow synthesized B, N-codoped TiO2 hollow spheres.

In this study, we demonstrate that aerosol assisted flow synthesized B, N-codoped TiO(2) photocatalyst possesses superior photocatalytic activity to pure and single element doped counterparts on the degradation of NO in a flow system under both simulated solar light and visible light irradiation. Characterization results revealed that B, N-codoped TiO(2) photocatalyst was composed of hollow microspheres. Boron and nitrogen were in the form of Ti-O-B and N-Ti-O structures, respectively. The introduction of B and N into the TiO(2) lattice could effectively tune the band gap of TiO(2) and extend its optical response to the visible-light region. The synergistic effect of B and N codoping on visible light driven photocatalytic activity enhancement of TiO(2) was discussed on the basis of experimental results.
(Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)