Preparation of a sunlight-driven TiO2 film with excellent material characterizations and photoelectrocatalytic properties by an eco-friendly manner

A hybrid structure of (NOx)i/S6+-TiO2 (x=0,1) film with high visible-light activity was prepared via facile one-step anodizing in (NH4)2S2O8 electrolyte. The film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet-visible-infrared absorption spectroscopy, respectively. Transient photocurrent response and linear sweep voltammetry were also detected. The results showed that the (NOx)i/S6+-TiO2 film was composed of “flower-like” and porous structure. And N and S were successfully doped in the film. Meanwhile, the film also displayed broad and strong optical absorption at around 544 nm and 1500 nm. The photocurrent density reached 0.71 mA/cm2. The decoloration rate was close to 100% and TOC removal reached 59.44% in 20 min under sunlight in photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation methyl orange. The film also exhibited good stability after reuse ten times. A possible mechanism of PEC was suggested in methyl orange degradation by using (NOx)i/S6+-TiO2 film.