Facile synthesis and photocatalytic disinfection of boron self-doped TiO₂ nanosheets

In this study, a facile hydrothermal method was successfully developed to synthesize boron self-doped TiO₂ nanosheets directly from TiB ₂ powders. XRD and TEM results suggested that the as-prepared TiO₂ were pure anatase phase and showed a sheet morphology with reactive (001) facets. XPS analysis revealed the presence of boron as dopants by substituting oxygen atom in TiO₂ nanosheets. The effect of HBF ₄ on TiO₂ synthesis was also investigated. Photocatalytic disinfection experimental study implied that boron self-doped TiO₂ exhibited better performance than P25 under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic effect was ascribed to the nanosheet morphology with reactive (001) facets and self-doping of boron in TiO₂. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.