Simultaneously Enhanced Activity and Selectivity for C(sp3)–H Bond Oxidation Under Visible Light by Nitrogen Doping

Selective oxidation of saturated C(sp3)–H bonds in hydrocarbon to target chemicals under mild conditions remains a significant but challenging task because of the chemical inertness and high dissociation energy of C(sp3)–H bonds. Semiconductor photocatalysis can induce the generation of holes and oxidative radicals, offering an alternative way toward selective oxidation of hydrocarbons under ambient conditions. Herein, we constructed N-doped TiO2 nanotubes (N-TNTs) that exhibited remarkable activity and selectivity for toluene oxidation under visible light, delivering the conversion of toluene and selectivity of benzaldehyde of 32% and > 99%, respectively. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that the incorporation of nitrogen induced the generation of N-doping level above the O 2p valance band, directly contributing to the visible-light response of TiO2. Furthermore, hydroxyl radicals generated by photogenerated holes at the orbit of O 2p were found to be unselective for the oxidation of toluene, affording both benzaldehyde and benzoic acid. The incorporation of nitrogen was able to inhibit the generation of hydroxyl radicals, terminating the formation of benzoic acid.