Preparation, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activity of N, S‐Codoped TiO ₂ Nanoparticles

Abstract

The doping of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) with various metal or nonmetal elements has been considered as an effective strategy to extend the photoactive wavelength region to visible light. In this paper (nitrogen [N] and sulfur [S])‐codoped anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles were prepared via a sol–gel route, followed by a heat treatment at elevated temperatures. The as‐prepared samples were extensively characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The N, S‐codoped TiO 2 nanoparticles showed a strong visible light absorption and exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue as compared with the pure, N‐ or S‐doped TiO 2 under either UV light or solar light irradiation.