Synergistic coupling {101}-{111} facet of N-doped TiO2 film enhance spatial charge separation for methylene blue photodegradation

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2023-10, Vol.961, p.170977, Article 170977
• Main Authors: Hamed, N.K.A., Nafarizal, N., Ahmad, M.K., Faridah, A.B., Makhtar, S.N.N.M., Noor, S.F.M., Shimomura, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Facet TiO2; Hydrothermal; Nitrogen-doped; Photocatalysis
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2023.170977

The synthesis of N-doped TiO2 film with co-exposed {101} and {111} facets via a one-pot facile hydrothermal method had proven to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data show the incorporation of N ions into the TiO2 accomplishes the facet modification. The shifting of the N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst adsorption bandgap toward a higher wavelength was identified as the TiO2 band gap was reduced. Up to 66 % methylene blue had successfully been degraded with the aid of N-doped TiO2 as an active photocatalyst. The enhanced photodegradation of N-doped TiO2 film is mainly attributed to the presence of {101} and {111} facets, leading to the efficient separation of carriers and lengthening the life of photogenerated carriers, consequently improving its photocatalysis potential. •N-doped rutile-phase TiO2 film with exposed {101} and {111} facets was obtained.•A facile hydrothermal doping process was employed to fabricate the film.•The {111} facet has a higher energy facet compared to another facet.•TiO2-N 2.0 wt% based TEM results confirmed the facet changed upon doping.•The synergistic effect of {101} and {111} facets improved the spatial charge separation.