Synthesis of submicron-sized carbon-doped TiO2 for photodegradation of formaldehyde from wood-based panels

Carbon-doped TiO2 particles were prepared by hydrothermal treatments and characterised via field emission scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that carbon was successfully doped into the TiO2 structures. Photocatalytic reactions were further investigated in a simulated indoor environment, and the visible-light catalytic activity of the carbon-doped TiO2 was evaluated by monitoring the photodegradation of the formaldehyde from wood-based panels. A degradation rate of 90% in 70 min was obtained, which demonstrated high photocatalytic performance.