In-situ growth of TiO2 phase junction nanorods with Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies to enhance photocatalytic activity

The titanium dioxide phase junction nanorods with Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies (O-v) were successfully prepared by in-situ growth method and vacuum freeze-drying, which was used for photocatalytic removal of gas phase mercury. Experimental results and characterization data indicate that the phase junction, Ti3+ and O-v synergistically promote photogenerated electron-hole separation and transfer efficiency and photocatalytic activity. The efficiency of the most efficient sample reaches 63.77 %, which is about 3.6 times that of commercial P25. Finally, we proposed the reaction mechanism that the phase junction, Ti3+ and Ov in TiO2 nanorods form an effective charge transport channel. This work provides new ideas for the effective utilization of solar energy and the design of photocatalysts.

Automated summary

In this study, titanium dioxide phase junction nanorods with Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies were successfully prepared and utilized for photocatalytic removal of gas phase mercury, showing significantly enhanced efficiency compared to commercial P25. The synergy between phase junction, Ti3+, and O-v in promoting electron-hole separation and transfer efficiency was demonstrated, providing new insights into effective solar energy utilization and photocatalyst design.