Solvothermal synthesis of Fe-C codoped TiO2 nanoparticles for visible-light photocatalytic removal of emerging organic contaminants in water

Anatase Fe/C-TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The results showed that Fe was incorporated into TiO2 lattice by substituting Ti4+, while C was present in the form of carbonate species on the surface. Fe3+ dopants could introduce a new dopant energy level into TiO2 band gap while the carbonate species served as photosensitizer. Both of them were responsible for the visible-light photocatalytic activity of the Fe/C-TiO2. In addition, the presence of Fe dopants and carbonate species could favor the formation of surface hydroxyl groups, and inhibit recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes. Moreover, the Fe/C-TiO2 displayed larger surface area than C-TiO2 and Fe-TiO2. The synergistic effects of Fe and C codoping into TiO2 resulted in improved photocatalytic activities of Fe/C-TiO2 for degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) and clofibric acid (CA) as compared to C-TiO2. Fe-TiO2 and P25 under visible light and simulated solar light irradiation. The toxicities of BPA solutions gradually decreased throughout BPA mineralization. The photocatalytic activity of the Fe/C-TiO2 was maintained effectively even after several cyclic experiments. Finally, the possible photocatalytic mechanisms over the Fe/C-TiO2 under visible light and UV irradiation were proposed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.