Molybdenum and Nitrogen Co-Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Arrays with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity

Molybdenum and nitrogen co-doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TNAs) were prepared by anodizing in association with hydrothermal treatment. As-prepared Mo and N co-doped TNAs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible light diffuse reflection spectroscopy. Besides, the photocatalytic activity of Mo and N co-doped TNAs for the degradation of methylene blue (denoted as MB) under visible light irradiation was evaluated. It was found that N in co-doped TNAs coexists in the forms of N–Ti–O and N–O–Ti, while Mo exists as Mo⁶⁺ by substituting Ti in the lattice of TiO₂. In the meantime, Mo and N co-doping extends the absorption of TNAs into the whole visible light region and results in remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB under visible light irradiation. This could be attributed to the synergetic effect between Mo-doping and N-doping. Namely, Mo and N passivated co-doping produces new states in TNAs, thereby narrowing the bandgap and decreasing the recombination rate of electrons and holes. As a result, the visible light absorption and photocatalytic activity of TNAs is greatly increased. Furthermore, Mo ions with multiple valences in all co-doped samples could act as trapping sites to effectively decrease the recombination rate of electrons and holes, which also contribute to improved photocatalytic activity of Mo and N co-doped TNAs.