A Simple Way to Prepare C–N-Codoped TiO2 Photocatalyst with Visible-Light Activity

A simple method for preparing nanocrystalline C–N-codoped TiO 2 photocatalyst was developed by annealing titanium carbonitride. The prepared C–N-codoped TiO 2 powders were characterized by TGA, XRD, XPS, UV–Vis, PL, SEM, and BET surface areas. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in an aqueous solution under visible-light radiation. Results showed that the annealing temperatures and time affected the crystal composition and structure and activity of the catalyst. The most promoting effect of C–N-codoping in activity was obtained over C–N-codoped TiO 2 prepared by annealing titanium carbonitride at 400 °C for 8 h. The high photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the synergetic effects in light absorption and the suppression of recombination of electrons/holes pairs.