In situ synthesis of the mesoporous C–TiO2 microspheres derived from partial hydrolysis tetrabutyl titanate for enhanced photocatalytic degradation under visible light

•Carbon-doped anatase C–TiO2 in situ with organic titanium alkoxide, as carbon precursor, through the facile microwave-assisted solvothermal and calcination at below 400℃.•The partial hydrolysis of Ti(OC4H9)4 followed by the process of crystallization and carbon-doped were controlled by an esterification reaction between acetic acid and ethanol.•Prepared samples feature superior specific surface area, controlled morphological properties and exposed active sites, which provides an excellent site for photocatalytic reactions driven by visible light. C–TiO2 microspheres were prepared in situ through microwave-assisted solvothermal method followed by low-temperature heat treatment in this study. Different carbon content doping samples were obtained through different temperatures of heat treatment. The characterization results indicate that C–TiO2 samples are exclusively composed of anatase crystallites, and also the interstitial carbon and the surface carbonate species are confirmed existed in the samples, which could significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity under visible light. When irradiated for 60 min under 5 W visible-light, the degradation efficiency of 40 mg/l methylene blue (200 mg catalyst) and 10 mg/l methyl orange (100 mg catalyst) can reach 92.59% and 98.42%, respectively, which is significantly higher than that of commercial titania P25 (5.74% and 24.53%, respectively). In addition, the sample exhibits excellent recyclability and stability, which might be considered as a novel and facil scheme for modification of titania photodegradation driven by visible light. [Display omitted]