One-step synthesis of amine-functionalized TiO2 surface for photocatalytic decolorization under visible light irradiation

Abstract One-step 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modification surface of TiO 2 was successfully prepared for photocatalyts. The modified TiO 2 was characterized by means of techniques. As results, the monolayer and/or multilayer amino-silane coverage on TiO 2 surface substantially decreased the indirect band gap, leading to the formation of Si–N intermediate level within band gap and suppressing the electron–hole recombination. It subsequently enhanced the photoactivity. With increasing APTES contents, the c -value decreased whereas the formation of NH 2 and the oxygen chemisorption were apparently increased. However, the difference in APTES concentration significantly affected the hydrophobicity. The reduction in NH 3 + played an essential role in the retarding of photoactivity.