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Edge Dislocations Induce Improved Photocatalytic Efficiency of Colored TiO 2
Author(s) -
Ren Peng,
Song Miao,
Lee Jaewon,
Zheng Jian,
Lu Zexi,
Engelhard Mark,
Yang Xiuchun,
Li Xiaolin,
Kisailus David,
Li Dongsheng
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced materials interfaces
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.671
H-Index - 65
ISSN - 2196-7350
DOI - 10.1002/admi.201901121
Subject(s) - materials science , photocatalysis , anatase , rutile , visible spectrum , absorption edge , absorption (acoustics) , irradiation , photochemistry , band gap , nanostructure , optoelectronics , nanotechnology , nanowire , chemical engineering , composite material , catalysis , biochemistry , chemistry , physics , nuclear physics , engineering
Titanium oxide is the most widely used material for photocatalytic applications due to its low cost and environmental friendliness. One of the grand challenges to improve its energy conversion efficiency is to utilize more visible light while inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. A one‐step hydrosolvothermal method is used to obtain colored ultrafine nanowires of rutile and nanoparticles of anatase with edge dislocations, which induce broadened visible solar absorption (400–900 nm) and improve photocatalytic efficiency up to 1.8 times that of rutile or anatase without defects. Enhanced photocatalytic activity of these structures is demonstrated by photodegrading methylene blue measurements under simulated solar light irradiation. Results show the existence of Ti 3+ , induced by edge dislocations, and subsequent electronic band structure–property relationships. This work highlights a strategy for generating sufficient desired defects in TiO 2 nanostructures, leading to broadened visible solar absorption and improved photocatalytic efficiency under visible light irradiation.