Synthesis of core–shell N-TiO2@CuOx with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance

Abstract

In this paper, a core–shell N-TiO₂@CuO_x nanomaterial with increased visible light photocatalytic activity was successfully synthesized using a simple method. By synthesizing ammonium titanyl oxalate as a precursor, N-doped TiO₂ can be prepared, then the core–shell structure of N-TiO₂@CuO_x with a catalyst loading of Cu on its surface was prepared using a precipitation method. It was characterized in detail using XRD, TEM, BET, XPS and H₂-TPR, while its photocatalytic activity was evaluated using the probe reaction of the degradation of methyl orange. We found that the core–shell N-TiO₂@CuO_x nanomaterial can lessen the TiO₂ energy band-gap width due to the N-doping, as well as remarkably improving the photo-degradation activity due to a certain loading of Cu on the surfaces of N-TiO₂ supports. Therefore, a preparation method for a novel N, Cu co-doped TiO₂ photocatalyst with a core–shell structure and efficient photocatalytic performance has been provided.