Synthesis of visible-light-driven TiO2 yolk-shell spheres with {001} facets dominated mesoporous shells

Anatase phase visible-light-driven TiO2 yolk-shell spheres with the size of ca. 1-2 mu m have been synthesized with the combination of solvothermal and heat treatment method. XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and PL analysis were used to examine structure and properties of the photocatalyst. The N species and Ti3+ centers introduced into the as-prepared photocatalyst can enhance the visible light absorption significantly. The mesoporous shell of the prepared photocatalyst, which promotes the pollutant adsorption ability, consists of the high-reactive {0 0 1} facets dominated nanocrystals. Due to the unique structure, it is also observed that the as-prepared visible-light-driven TiO2 yolk-shell spheres exhibit a superior photocatalytic activity for organic dyes decomposition than the well-known P25. (c) 2013 Hui Wang. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.