Yunchang Liu, Mingyang Xing , Jinlong Zhang

（Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China）

Abstract：

Using ethanol as the carbon source, a series of Ti3+ and carbon co‐doped TiO2 samples were suc‐ cessfully synthesized by an innovative and simple vacuum activation method in a one‐step process. The Ti3+ self‐doped TiO2 featured a high visible light photocatalytic activity that improved consid‐ erably following subsequent carbon doping modification of the catalyst surface. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV‐Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The Ti3+ and C co‐doped TiO2 catalyst showed a high methyl orange photo‐degradation efficiency under visible light irradiation. The doping levels induced by Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies were responsible for the improved visible light response of TiO2. Simultaneously, the surface coverage of graphite on the catalyst could improve the absorption of visible light and migration efficiency of photo‐induced electrons. The synergistic effects of Ti3+ self‐doping and graphite coverage led to the improved visi‐ ble light photocatalytic activity of Ti3+ and C co‐doped TiO2.

Key Words：

Vacuum activation; Ti3+‐doped; Graphite coverage; Titania; Photocatalytic activity