Ultra-thin TiO2 sheets with rich surface disorders for enhanced photocatalytic performance under simulated sunlight

Abstract Ultra-thin hydrogenated black TiO 2 sheets with rich surface disorders were prepared by a facile hydrogenation of submicrometer sized TiO 2 sheets. Due to the reduced band gap of 2.81 eV, the light harvesting ability of black TiO 2 sheets is enhanced in the visible range. In addition, the rich surface disorder reduces the primary particle-size and increases the surface area from 20.9 to 46.2 m 2 g -1 , which enhances the population of active catalytic sites and substantially improves the photocatalytic activities both under visible light and full spectrum solar light. The mechanism tests indicate the black TiO 2 sheets triggered photodegradation is a hole mediated process. Moreover, the catalyst shows long-term stability, which permits its potential application in the real waste water treatment.