Preparation and properties of nanocrystalline alpha-Fe2O3-sensitized TiO2 nanosheets as a visible light photocatalyst

We present a novel approach for the fabrication of alpha-Fe2O3-sensitized TiO2 nanosheets. The TiO2 nanosheets with partly curly surfaces and large surface areas can rapidly absorb the methylene blue (MB). The absorption and degradation of MB are investigated. Results show that the photocatalytic activities of alpha-Fe2O3 make the MB degradation efficient under visible light irradiation. By coupling two semiconductor systems, electrons can be injected from an excited small band gap semiconductor into TiO2 under visible light. Such a modification is expected to lead to new or enhanced properties.