Influence of Defects on Photoconductivity and Photocatalytic Activity of Nitrogen-Doped Titania

TL;DR

This study investigates how nitrogen-related defects in nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide influence its photoconductivity and photocatalytic activity, revealing defect-related enhancements under visible light.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the role of specific paramagnetic defects in N-doped TiO2 and their correlation with improved photocatalytic performance.

Findings

Increased free charge carrier generation in N-TiO2 under visible light.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity in N-TiO2 compared to non-doped titania.

Correlation between defect density and photocatalytic efficiency.

Abstract

Samples of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (anatase, $0.2 \leq N \leq 1.0~wt\%$) prepared by the sol-gel method were investigated using X-band EPR spectroscopy, photoconductivity and photocatalysis measurements. $N\bullet$ and $NO\bullet$ paramagnetic defects in N-TiO2 have been observed; their concentrations and spin-Hamiltonian parameters were calculated. An increase both in the rate of the generation of free charge carriers and in the rate of photocatalysis was found in N-TiO2 in contrast with non-doped titania under visible light. The correlation of the density of the observed radicals with the photoconductivity and photocatalysis data is discussed.