Abstract
In this study, a facile hydrothermal method was successfully developed to synthesize boron self-doped TiO2 nanosheets directly from TiB2 powders. XRD and TEM results suggested that the as-prepared TiO2 were pure anatase phase and showed a sheet morphology with reactive (001) facets. XPS analysis revealed the presence of boron as dopants by substituting oxygen atom in TiO2 nanosheets. The effect of HBF4 on TiO2 synthesis was also investigated. Photocatalytic disinfection experimental study implied that boron self-doped TiO2 exhibited better performance than P25 under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic effect was ascribed to the nanosheet morphology with reactive (001) facets and self-doping of boron in TiO2.
•Boron self-doped TiO2 nanosheets derived from TiB2 were successfully achieved.•TiB2 was the source of boron dopants and TiO2 precursor.•Boron self-doped TiO2 nanosheets showed better photocatalytic activity than P25.•The enhanced photocatalytic activity was due to the reactive facets and self-doping of boron.