Preparation of narrow band gap V2Os/TiO2 composite films by micro-arc oxidation

V2Os/TiO2 composite films were prepared on pure titanium substmtes via micro-arc oxidation （MAO） in electrolytes consisting of NaVO3. Their morphology and dements were characterized by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and energy-dispersive X-ray （EDX） analysis. Phase composition and valence states of species in the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and X-ray photoelec- tron spectroscopy （XPS）. Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra （UV-Vis DRS） were also employed to evaluate the photophysical property of the films. The VEOs/TiO2 composite films show a sheet-like morphology. Not only V205 phase appears in the films when the NaVO3 concentration of the electrolyte is higher than 6,10 g/L and is loaded at the surface of anatase, but also V4＋ is incorporated into the crystal lattice of anatase. In comparison with pure TiO2 films the V2Os/TiO2 composite films exhibit significantly narrow band gap energy. The film prepared in an electrolyte consisting of NaVO3 with a concentration of 8.54 g/L exhibits the narrowest band gap energy, which is approximately 1.89 eV. The V2Os/TiO2 composite films also have the significantly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity. The film prepared in an electrolyte consisting of NaVO3 with a concentration of 8.54 g/L exhibits the best photocatalytic activity and about 93% of rhodamine is degraded after 14 h visible light radiation.