Simultaneous formation of a C/N-TiO2 hollow photocatalyst with efficient photocatalytic performance and recyclability

Herein, we report a unique approach towards the preparation of C-modified and N-doped TiO2 hollow spheres (C/N-TiO2). TEM, SEM, and XPS analyses were used to confirm that the carbon and nitrogen co-decorated TiO2 photocatalyst was formed. Carbon-decoration improves the visible-light absorption and speeds up the separation of the photo-generated electron-hole pairs. C/N-TiO2 not only narrows the band gap of TiO2, but also exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of tetracycline and tetracycline hydrochloride. In addition, the C/N-TiO2 photocatalyst shows excellent recyclability for water decontamination, making it a promising candidate to purify aquatic contaminants. (C) 2019, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.