Photocatalytic characteristics of boron and nitrogen doped titania film synthesized by micro-arc oxidation

Abstract A boron and nitrogen co-doped titania catalyst was synthesized by micro-arc oxidation to obtain high efficiency and wide application through the extension of photocatalytic activity into the visible-light region. During micro-arc oxidation process, which is known as an energy saving and environmentally friendly method, boron and nitrogen ions in the electrolyte were incorporated into the interstitial site of TiO 2 . The presence of B and N as doping elements was confirmed by XPS analysis. The surface characteristics of the synthesized B,N co-doped titania film were investigated by SEM and XRD. The synthesized TiO 2 film showed an excellent adherence to the titanium substrate. For estimation of photocatalytic activity, photocurrent response and dye decomposition tests were performed, and the B, N co-doped TiO 2 exhibited much higher dye degradation rate, rate constant, and photocurrent response.