Photocatalytic Activity of Fe and Ce Co‐doped Mesoporous TiO2 Catalyst under UV and Visible Light

The catalysts of un‐doped, single‐doped and co‐doped mesoporous titanium dioxide (MTiO₂) were prepared by a template method with tetrabutyltitanate (Ti(OC₄H₉)₄) as a Ti source material and Pluronic P123 as a template. The photo‐absorbance of the obtained catalysts was measured by UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, and the photocatalytic activities of the prepared samples under UV and visible light were estimated by measuring the degradation rate of methyl orange (MO) (50 mg/L) in an aqueous solution. It was shown that the co‐doped MTiO₂ could be activated by visible light and could thus be used as an effective catalyst in photo‐oxidation reactions. The effect of Fe and Ce co‐dopants on the material properties was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N₂ adsorption‐desorption isotherm measurement. The characterizations indicated that the photocatalysts possessed a homogeneous pore diameter of ca. 10 nm with high surface area of ca. 150 m²/g. The photocatalytic activity of MTiO₂ co‐doped with Fe and Ce was markedly improved due to the synergistic actions of the two dopants.     

Preparation,Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Lanthanum Doped Mesoporous Titanium Dioxide

Lanthanum doped mesoporous titanium dioxide photocatalysts with different La content were synthesized by template method using tetrabutyltitanate (Ti(OC₄H₉)₄) as precursor and Pluronic P123 as template. The catalysts were characterized by thermogravimetric dif-ferential thermal analysis, N₂ adsorption-desorption measurements, X-ray diffraction, and UV-Vis adsorption spectroscopy. The effect of La³⁺ doping concentration from 0.1% to 1% on the photocatalytic activity of mesoporous TiO₂ was investigated. The characterizations indicated that the photocatalysts possessed a homogeneous pore diameter of about 10 nm with high surface area of 165 m²/g. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements in-dicated the presence of C in the doped samples in addition to La. Compared with pure mesoporous TiO₂, the La-doped samples extended the photoabsorption edge into the visible light region. The results of phenol photodecomposition showed that La-doped mesoporous TiO₂ exhibited higher photocatalytic activities than pure mesoporous TiO₂ under UV and visible light irradiation.     

Understanding the synergistic effects,optical and electronic properties of ternary Fe/C/S‐doped TiO2 anatase within the DFT + U approach

Although TiO₂ is an efficient photocatalyst, its large band gap limits its photocatalytic activity only to the ultraviolet region. An experimentally synthesized ternary Fe/C/S‐doped TiO₂ anatase showed improved visible light photocatalytic activity. However, a theoretical study of the underlying mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic activity and the interaction of ternary Fe/C/S‐doped TiO₂ has not yet been investigated. In this study, the defect formation energy, electronic structure and optical property of TiO₂ doped with Fe, C, and S are investigated in detail using the density functional theory + U method. The calculated band gap (3.21 eV) of TiO₂ anatase agree well with the experimental band gap (3.20 eV). The defect formation energy shows that the co‐ and ternary‐doped systems are thermodynamically favorable under oxygen‐rich condition. Compared to the undoped TiO₂, the absorption edge of the mono‐, co‐, and ternary‐doped TiO₂ is significantly enhanced in the visible light region. We have shown that ternary doping with C, S, and Fe induces a clean band structure without any impurity states. Moreover, the ternary Fe/C/S‐doped TiO₂ exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic activity, a smaller band gap and negative formation energy compared to the mono‐ and co‐doped systems. Moreover, the band edges of Fe/C/S‐doped TiO₂ align well with the redox potentials of water, which shows that the ternary Fe/C/S‐doped TiO₂ is promising photocatalysts to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. These findings rationalize the available experimental results and can assist the design of TiO₂‐based photocatalyst materials.     

Synthesis of Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript> doped ordered mesoporous TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity and highly crystallized anatase wall

Fe³⁺ doped mesoporous TiO₂ with ordered mesoporous structure were successfully prepared by the solvent evaporation-induced self-assembly process using P123 as soft template. The properties and structure of Fe³⁺ doped mesoporous TiO₂ were characterized by means of XRD, EPR, BET, TEM, and UV–vis absorption spectra. The characteristic results clearly show that the amount of Fe³⁺ dopant affects the mesoporous structure as well as the visible light absorption of the catalysts. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared mesoporous TiO₂ was evaluated from an analysis of the photodegradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The results indicate that the sample of 0.50%Fe–MTiO₂ exhibits the highest visible light photocatalytic activity compared with other catalysts.     

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of magnetic samarium-doped mesoporous titanium dioxide at the decomposition of methylene blue under visible light

Preparation of samarium-doped mesoporous titanium dioxide (Sm/MTiO₂) coated magnetite (Fe₃O₄) photocatalysts (Sm/MTiO₂/Fe₃O₄) and their activities under visible light were reported. The catalysts with Sm/MTiO₂ shell and a Fe₃O₄ core were prepared by coating photoactive Sm/MTiO₂ onto a magnetic Fe₃O₄ core through the hydrolysis of tetrabutyltitanate (Ti(OBu)₄, TBT) with precursors of Sm(NO₃)₃ and TBT in the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The morphological, structural and optical properties of the prepared samples were characterized by BET surface area, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The effect of Sm ion content on the photocatalytic activity was studied. The photocatalytic activities of obtained photocatalysts under visible light were estimated by measuring the decomposition rate of methylene blue (MB, 50 mg/L) in an aqueous solution. The results showed that the prepared photocatalyst was activated by visible light and used as effective catalyst in photooxidation reactions. In addition, the possibility of cyclic usage of the prepared photocatalyst was also confirmed. Moreover, Sm/MTiO₂ was tightly bound to Fe₃O₄ and could be easily recovered from the medium by a simple magnetic process. It can therefore be potentially applied for the treatment of water contaminated by organic pollutants.     

Photocatalytic Activity for Water Decomposition to Hydrogen over Nitrogen‐doped TiO2 Nanoparticle

Nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanoparticle photocatalysts were obtained by an annealing method with gaseous ammonia and nitrogen. The influence of dopant N on the crystal structure was characterized by XRD, XPS, BET, TEM and UV-Vis spectra. The results of XRD indicate that, the crystal phase transforms from anatase to rutile structure gradually with increase of annealing temperature from 300 to 700 ℃. XPS studies indicate that the nitrogen atom enters the TiO2 lattice and occupies the position of oxygen atom. Agglomeration of particles is found in TEM images after annealing. BET results show that the specific surface areas of N-doped samples from 44.61 to 38.27 m2/g are smaller than that of Degussa TiO2. UV-Vis spectra indicate that the absorption threshold shifts gradually with increase of annealing temperature, which shows absorption in the visible region. The influence of annealing condition on the photocatalytic property has been researched over water decomposition to hydrogen, indicating that nitrogen raises the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution, and the modified TiO2 annealed for 2 h at 400 ℃ under gas of NH3/N2 (V/V＝1/2) mixture shows better efficiency of hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, the N-doped TiO2 nanoparticle catalysts have obvious visible light activity, evidenced by hydrogen evolution under visible light (λ＞400 nm) irradiation. However, the catalytic activity under visible light irradiation is absent for Degussa as reference and the N-doped TiO2 annealed at 700 ℃.     

Synthesis and Modification of Zn‐doped TiO2 Nanoparticles for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline

The synthesis of Zn‐doped TiO₂ nanoparticles by solgel method was investigated in this study, as well as its modification by H₂O₂. The catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, UV–visible reflectance spectra and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that doping Zn into TiO₂ nanoparticles could inhibit the transformation from anatase phase to rutile phase. Zn existed as the second valence oxidation state in the Zn‐doped TiO₂. Zn‐doped TiO₂ that was synthesized by 5% Zn doping at 450°C exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. Then, the H₂O₂ modification further enhanced the photocatalytic activity. Zn doping and H₂O₂ modifying narrowed the band gap and efficiently increased the optical absorption in visible region. The optimal degradation rate of tetracycline by Zn‐doped TiO₂ and H₂O₂ modified Zn‐doped TiO₂ was 85.27% and 88.14%. Peroxide groups were detected in XPS analysis of H₂O₂ modified Zn‐doped TiO₂, favoring the adsorption of visible light. Furthermore, Zn‐doped TiO₂ modified by H₂O₂ had relatively good reusability, exhibiting a potential practical application for tetracycline's photocatalytic degradation.     

Evaluating the efficiency of the GO‐Fe3O4/TiO2 mesoporous photocatalyst for degradation of chlorpyrifos pesticide under visible light irradiation

In this work, the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized graphene oxide (GO)‐Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ mesoporous photocatalysts was evaluated using chlorpyrifos (CP) as a contaminant. The nano‐photocatalyst was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and specific surface area by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. Using visible light, the GO‐Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ mesoporous photocatalyst was investigated on the degradation of CP pesticide. The GO‐Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ photocatalyst displayed a good photocatalytic activity, which was achieving 97% of CP degradation after 60 min. Finally, experiments were performed to evaluate GO‐Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ mesoporous nanocatalyst activity on repeated applications; after several uses, its photocatalytic activity was retained, which indicated stability.     

Template‐free Fabrication of Hierarchical Macro‐/mesoporous N‐doped TiO2/graphene Oxide Composites with Enhanced Visible‐light Photocatalytic Activity

Hierarchical macro‐/mesoporous N‐doped TiO₂/graphene oxide (N‐TiO₂/GO) composites were prepared without using templates by the simple dropwise addition mixed solution of tetrabutyl titanate and ethanol containg graphene oxide (GO) to the ammonia solution, and then calcined at 350 °C. The as‐prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange in an aqueous solution under visible‐light irradiation. The results show that N‐TiO₂/GO composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity. GO content exhibited an obvious influence on photocatalytic performance, and the optimal GO addition content was 1 wt%. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the synergetic effects of three factors including the improved visible light absorption, the hierarchical macro‐mesoporous structure, and the efficient charge separation by GO.     

Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity of Sodium Bismuth Titanate by Doping with Copper,Silver, and Tin Ions

Perovskite type oxides, sodium bismuth titanate (Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃), and Ag⁺, Cu²⁺, and Sn²⁺ doped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ were prepared by pechini and ion exchange methods, respectively. Photocatalytic activities of these catalysts were tested by decomposition of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. Results showed that the photocatalytic activity of metal ion doped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ was higher than undoped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃. Relatively high photocatalytic performance of Ag⁺‐doped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ is mainly ascribed to the efficient separation of electron‐hole (e^–, h⁺) pairs, lower bandgap energy and the creation of active hydroxyl radicals ( ^? OH). Further, the Ag⁺‐doped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ catalyst showed good reusability up to four cycles. A possible mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic performance was proposed. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, XPS, FT‐IR, and UV/Vis DRS techniques.     

Study of the Efficiency of UV and Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol on Mesoporous RuO2–TiO2 Nanocomposites

Mesoporous RuO₂–TiO₂ nanocomposites at different RuO₂ concentrations (0–10 wt %) are prepared through a simple one‐step sol–gel reaction of tetrabutyl orthotitanate with ruthenium(III) acetylacetonate in the presence of an F127 triblock copolymer as structure‐directing agent. The thus‐formed RuO₂–TiO₂ network gels are calcined at 450 °C for 4 h leading to mesoporous RuO₂–TiO₂ nanocomposites. The photocatalytic CH₃OH oxidation to HCHO is chosen as the test reaction to examine the photocatalytic activity of the mesoporous RuO₂–TiO₂ nanocomposites under UV and visible light. The photooxidation of CH₃OH is substantially affected by the loading amount and the degree of dispersion of RuO₂ particles onto the TiO₂, which indicates the exclusive effect of the RuO₂ nanoparticles on this photocatalytic reaction under visible light. The measured photonic efficiency ξ=0.53 % of 0.5 wt % RuO₂–TiO₂ nanocomposite for CH₃OH oxidation is maximal and the further increase of RuO₂ loading up to 10 wt % gradually decreases this value. The cause of the visible‐light photocatalytic behavior is the incorporation of small amounts of Ru⁴⁺ into the anatase lattice. On the other hand, under UV light, undoped TiO₂ shows a very good photonic efficiency, which is more than three times that for commercial photocatalyst, P‐25 (Evonik–Degussa); however, addition of RuO₂ suppresses the photonic efficiency of TiO₂. The proposed reaction mechanism based on the observed behavior of RuO₂–TiO₂ photocatalysts under UV and visible light is explored.     

Synthesis of Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40/TiO2 Nanocomposites with Dominant TiO2 {001} Facets and Related Photocatalytic Properties

TiO₂ nanosheets with dominant {001} facets, coupled with Cs_2.5H_0.5PW₁₂O₄₀, were successfully synthesized by a one‐step hydrothermal reaction. The photocatalytic activity of nanocatalysts was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B under UV light irradiation. The results showed that both the addition of Cs_2.5H_0.5PW₁₂O₄₀ and the exposed {001} facets of TiO₂ have a positive effect on the photocatalytic activity. The improved photoactivity of nanocomposites in comparison with that of TiO₂ nanosheets could be attributed to the synergistic effect between Cs_2.5H_0.5PW₁₂O₄₀ and TiO₂ which facilitates the separation of photo‐induced hole‐electron pairs.     

Microemulsion synthesis, characterization of highly visible light responsive rare Earth-doped bi(2) o(3)

In this paper, Bi₂O₃ and rare earth (La, Ce)‐doped Bi₂O₃ visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts were prepared in a Triton X‐100/n‐hexanol/cyclohexane/water reverse microemulsion. The resulting materials were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, photoluminescence spectra (PLS) and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The XRD patterns of the as‐prepared catalysts calcined at 500°C exhibited only the characteristic peaks of monoclinic α‐Bi₂O₃. PLS analysis implied that the separation efficiency for electron‐hole has been enhanced when Bi₂O₃ was doped with rare earth. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements presented an extension of light absorption into the visible region. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by degradation of methyl orange (MO) and 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP). The results displayed that the photocatalytic activity of rare earth‐doped Bi₂O₃ was higher than that of dopant‐free Bi₂O₃. The optimal dopant amount of La or Ce was 1.0 mol%. And the mechanisms of influence on the photocatalytic activity of the catalysts were discussed.     

Template‐free Fabrication of ZnS/TiO2 Photocatalyst with Macrochannels

Constructing a porous structure in photocatalysts is an effective strategy for improving the photocatalytic activity because of its enhanced molecule transfer capability and light capturing efficiency. In this work, a hierarchical macro‐/mesoporous ZnS/TiO₂ composite with macrochannels was successfully synthesized without using templates by the simple dropwise addition of an ethanol solution of tetrabutyl titanate and zinc acetate into a sodium sulfide aqueous solution, which was then calcined at 450°C. Compared with pure TiO₂, the ordered porous ZnS/TiO₂ composite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity on methylene blue removal under UV‐light irradiation. The results indicate that the macro‐/mesoporous structure, the large specific surface area, and the heterostructure combination between ZnS and TiO₂ play a synergistic effect on the enhanced photocatalytic activity via improving the light absorption and the diffusion of organic molecules, providing more reactive sites for the photocatalytic reaction and improving the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, respectively. Radical trapping experiments demonstrated that holes (h⁺) and superoxide anion radicals (O₂⁻) play an important role in the photocatalytic oxidation process.     

Enhanced photodegradation of methylene blue with alkaline and transition‐metal ferrite nanophotocatalysts under direct sun light irradiation

It is highly desired to synthesize low‐cost photocatalysts for the degradation of colored dyes to safeguard our environment for the future generations. Here, we report an extremely efficient and low‐cost synthesis of alkaline earth and transition‐metal ferrite photocatalysts (MgFe₂O₄, CaFe₂O₄, BaFe₁₂O₁₉, CuFe₂O₄, and ZnFe₂O₄) from their chloride salts and their applications for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV–visible and direct sunlight irradiation. The as‐prepared photocatalysts displayed enhanced photoactivities under both conditions of irradiation. After calcination at 600°C, the photocatalytic degradation increased significantly, and 96 and 85% MB was removed with ZnFe₂O₄ under UV–visible and direct sunlight irradiation, respectively. Moreover, large amounts of hydroxyl free radicals were produced under both irradiation conditions, which participated in the degradation of MB. The enhanced photodegradation activities of these photocatalysts are attributed to their extended visible light absorption and low bandgaps. This work will provide a feasible route to the synthesis of efficient and low‐cost photocatalysts to utilize sunlight for environmental remediation.     

硼铈共掺杂纳米TiO2光催化降解三氯杀螨醇和菊酯类农药

采用溶胶-凝胶法在钛酸丁酯水解过程引入硼酸、硝酸铈,制备具有光催化活性的硼铈共掺杂纳米二氧化钛（TiO2）,经XRD、TEM、FT-IR、UV-Vis-DRS表征晶体结构,在日光灯照射下,光催化降解三氯杀螨醇、高氟氯氰菊酯、氟戊菊酯农药。结果表明：硼铈共掺杂的TiO2只有锐钛矿型,而纯的或掺铈的TiO2有含有锐钛矿型、金红石相和少量板钛矿型,UV-Vis-DRS测定结果表明硼铈共掺杂的TiO2禁带宽度变小,硼铈共掺杂的TiO2在可见光区吸光度高于掺杂铈和不掺杂的TiO2,在420nm~850nm有强的吸收;在同样光照下对三氯杀螨醇、高氟氯氰菊酯、氟戊菊酯的降解试验证明硼铈共掺杂纳米TiO2的光催化活性高于不掺杂或只掺杂铈的TiO2。     

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of nonmetal Co-doped titanium dioxide photocatalyst

A series of boron and sulfur co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalysts were prepared by a sol-gel method using boric acid, thiourea and tetrabutyl titanate [Ti(OC₄H₉)₄] as precursors. The photoabsorbance of as-prepared photocatalysts was measured by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and its microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N₂ adsorption-desorption measurements. The prepared photocatalysts consisted of the anatase phase mainly in the form of spherical particles. The photocatalytic performance was studied by photodegradation of methyl blue (MB) in water under UV and visible light irradiation. The calcination temperature and the codoping content influenced the photoactivity. The synergistic effect of boron and sulfur co-doping played an important role in improving the photocatalytic activity. In addition, the possibility of cyclic usage of codoped TiO₂ was also confirmed, the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ remained above 91% of that of the fresh sample after being used four times. It was shown that the co-doped TiO₂ could be activated by visible light and could thus be potentially applied for the treatment of water contaminated by organic pollutants.     

Preparation of Ce‐doped TiO2 Hollow Fibers and Their Photocatalytic Degradation Properties for Dye Compound

Cerium‐doped titanium dioxide (TiO₂) with a hollow fiber structure was successfully prepared using ammonium ceric nitrate and tetrabutyltitanate as precursors and cotton fiber as the template. The effects of cerium (Ce)‐doping on the crystallite sizes, crystal pattern, and optical property of the prepared catalysts were investigated by means of techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area, and UV‐vis diffuse absorption spectroscopy. SEM observation showed that the prepared TiO₂ fibers possessed fibrous shape inherited from the cotton fiber and had a hollow structure. As confirmed by XRD and UV‐vis diffuse absorption spectroscopy examinations, Ce‐doping restrained the growth of grain size and extended the photoabsorption edge of TiO₂ hollow fiber into the visible light region. The present photocatalyst showed higher photocatalytic reactivity in photodegradation of highly concentrated methylene blue (MB) solutions than pure TiO₂ under UV and visible light, and the amount of Ce‐doped significantly affected the catalytic property. In the experiment condition, the photocatalytic activity of 0.5 mol% Ce‐doped TiO₂ fiber was optimal of all the prepared samples. In addition, the possibility of cyclic usage of the photocatalyst was also confirmed. The material was easily removed by centrifugal separation. Therefore, using the template method and by doping with cerium, TiO₂ may hopefully become a low‐energy consuming, high activity and green environmentally friendly catalytic material.     

Effect of Erbium on the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2/Ag Nanocomposites under Visible Light Irradiation

Erbium co‐doped TiO₂/Ag catalysts are synthesized by using a simple, one‐step solvothermal method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The catalysts exhibit anatase crystal structures with increased visible light absorption compared with pure TiO₂. Enhanced photocatalytic activity is observed with Er co‐doped TiO₂/Ag nanocomposites for Rhodamine B degradation under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of 1 % Er co‐doped TiO₂/Ag is much higher than that of TiO₂/Ag, TiO₂/Er, pure TiO₂, and commercial Degussa P25. The kinetics of the degradation process are studied and the pseudo‐first‐order rate constant (k) and half‐life time (t_1/2) of the reaction are calculated. The enhanced activity might be accredited to the efficient separation of electron–hole pairs by silver and higher visible light absorption of TiO₂ induced by Er.     

Photocatalytic activity of nitrogen and copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles prepared by microwave-assisted sol-gel process

Cu and N-doped TiO₂ photocatalysts were synthesized from titanium (IV) isopropoxide via a microwave-assisted sol-gel method. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, photocurrent measurement technique, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. Raman spectra and XRD showed an anatase phase structure. The SEM and TEM images revealed the formation of an almost spheroid mono disperse TiO₂ with particle sizes in the range of 9-17 nm. Analysis of N₂ isotherm measurements showed that all investigated TiO₂ samples have mesoporous structures with high surface areas. The optical absorption edge for the doped TiO₂ was significantly shifted to the visible light region. The photocurrent and photocatalytic activity of pure and doped TiO₂ were evaluated with the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) solution under both UV and visible light illumination. The doped TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibit higher catalytic activity under each of visible light and UV irradiation in contrast to pure TiO₂. The photocatalytic activity and photocurrent ability of TiO₂ have been enhanced by doping of the titania in the following order: (Cu, N) - codoped TiO₂ > N-doped TiO₂ > Cu-doped TiO₂ > TiO₂. COD result for (Cu, N)-codoped TiO₂ reveals ∼92% mineralization of the MO dye on six h of visible light irradiation.