Metal–organic frameworks derived C/TiO2 for visible light photocatalysis: Simple synthesis and contribution of carbon species

A series of in-situ carbon-doped TiO2 (Cx/TiO2) composites with a porous and crystalline structure were successfully synthesized via one-step and low-temperature calcination of titanium metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL-125(Ti). The resultant materials were comprehensively investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and photoelectrochemical measurements, and their photocatalytic activities for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation were assessed. Compared with the benchmark TiO2 photocatalyst (P25), the Cx/TiO2 composite material with high specific surface, lower band gap, and reduced photogenerated electron hole ratio exhibited outstanding photodegradation activity and durability for BPA, which could be attributed to the combined effect of co-doping of multiple carbon species (substituent carbon and carbonate) and porous structure. During BPA degradation, the holes and superoxide radicals were the primary role oxidative species in the reaction process. Therefore, this new efficient photocatalyst is promising candidate for photodegradation of organic pollutants. [Display omitted] •Multiple carbon species co-doped TiO2 were prepared via in-situ carbonization method.•An excellent photocatalytic activity as well as good stability were obtained.•This high photoactivity originates from multiple carbon dopants and porous structure.•Both the •O2− and h+ were the primary active species in the degradation process.