B3N3 Borazine Substitution in Hexa‐peri‐Hexabenzocoronene: Computational Analysis and Scholl Reaction of Hexaphenylborazine

The doping of graphene molecules by borazine (B₃N₃) units may modify the electronic properties favorably. Therefore, the influence of the substitution of the central benzene ring of hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (HBC, C₄₂H₁₈) by an isoelectronic B₃N₃ ring resulting in C₃₆B₃N₃H₁₈ (B3N3HBC) is investigated by computational methods. For comparison, the isoelectronic and isosteric all‐B/N molecule B₂₁N₂₁H₁₈ (termed BN) and its carbon derivative C₆B₁₈N₁₈H₁₈ (C6BN), obtained by substitution of a central B₃N₃ by a C₆ ring, are also studied. The substitution of C₆ in the HBC molecule by a B₃N₃ unit results in a significant change of the computed IR vibrational spectrum between 1400 and 1600 cm^?1 due to the polarity of the borazine core. The properties of the BN molecule resemble those of hexagonal boron nitride, and substitution of the central B₃N₃ ring by C₆ changes the computed IR vibrational spectrum only slightly. The allowed transitions to excited states associated with large oscillator strengths shift to higher energy upon going from HBC to B3N3HBC, but to lower energy upon going from BN to C6BN. The possibility of synthesis of B3N3HBC from hexaphenylborazine (HPB) using the Scholl reaction (CuCl₂/AlCl₃ in CS₂) is investigated. Rather than the desired B3N3HBC an insoluble and X‐ray amorphous polymer P is obtained. Its analysis by IR and ¹¹B magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy reveals the presence of borazine units. The changes in the ¹¹B quadrupolar coupling constant C_Q, asymmetry parameter η, and isotropic chemical shift δ_iso(¹¹B) with respect to HPB are in agreement with a structural model that includes B3N3HBC‐derived monomeric units in polymer P. This indicates that both intra‐ and intermolecular cyclodehydrogenation reactions take place during the Scholl reaction of HPB.     

Controlled Gas Exfoliation of Boron Nitride into Few‐Layered Nanosheets

The controlled exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) into single‐ or few‐layered nanosheets remains a grand challenge and becomes the bottleneck to essential studies and applications of h‐BN. Here, we present an efficient strategy for the scalable synthesis of few‐layered h‐BN nanosheets (BNNS) using a novel gas exfoliation of bulk h‐BN in liquid N₂ (L‐N₂). The essence of this strategy lies in the combination of a high temperature triggered expansion of bulk h‐BN and the cryogenic L ‐N₂ gasification to exfoliate the h‐BN. The produced BNNS after ten cycles (BNNS‐10) consisted primarily of fewer than five atomic layers with a high mass yield of 16–20 %. N₂ sorption and desorption isotherms show that the BNNS‐10 exhibited a much higher specific surface area of 278 m² g^?1 than that of bulk BN (10 m² g^?1). Through the investigation of the exfoliated intermediates combined with a theoretical calculation, we found that the huge temperature variation initiates the expansion and curling of the bulk h‐BN. Subseqently, the L ‐N₂ penetrates into the interlayers of h‐BN along the curling edge, followed by an immediate drastic gasification of L ‐N₂, further peeling off h‐BN. This novel gas exfoliation of high surface area BNNS not only opens up potential opportunities for wide applications, but also can be extended to produce other layered materials in high yields.     

Poly(dopamine) assisted epoxy functionalization of hexagonal boron nitride for enhancement of epoxy resin anticorrosion performance

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) is modified by a simple and green method based on self‐oxidation of dopamine and epoxy groups functionalized silane (KH560) grafting. The surface modification and microstructure of h‐BN are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The poly(dopamine) and epoxy groups not only increase the compatibility of the h‐BN and enhance its interaction with epoxy matrix but also exhibit a remarkable superiority in enhancing the anticorrosion performance of epoxy coatings. In addition, the anticorrosion mechanisms of h‐BN@PDA‐KH560 are tentatively discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Series of Amino Acid Functionalized Tripodal Hexaamide Anion Receptors: Ion‐Pair‐Assisted Capped‐Cleft Formation by a Pentafluorophenyl‐Functionalized Amide

A new series of tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (tren)‐based L ‐alanine amino acid backboned tripodal hexaamide receptors (L1–L5) with various attached moieties based on electron‐withdrawing fluoro groups and lipophilicity have been synthesized and characterized. Detailed binding studies of L1–L5 with different anions, such as halides (F^?, Cl^?, Br^?, and I^?) and oxyanions (AcO^?, BzO^? (Bz=benzoyl), NO₃^?, H₂PO₄^?, and HSO₄^?), have been carried out by isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC) experiments in acetonitrile/dimethylsulfoxide (99.5:0.5 v/v) at 298 K. ITC titration experiments have clearly shown that receptors L1–L4 invariably form 1:1 complexes with Cl^?, AcO^?, BzO^?, and HSO₄^?, whereas L5 forms a 1:1 complex only with AcO^?. In the case of Br^?, I^?, and NO₃^?, no appreciable heat change is observed owing to weak interactions between these anions and receptors; this is further confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The ITC binding studies of F^? and H₂PO₄^? do not fit well for a 1:1 binding model. Furthermore, ITC binding studies also revealed slightly higher selectivity of this series of receptors towards AcO^? over Cl^?, BzO^?, and HSO₄^?. Solid‐state structural evidence for the recognition of Cl^? by this new category of receptor was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis of the complex of tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBACl) and L1. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction clearly showed that the pentafluorophenyl‐functionalized amide receptor (L1) encapsulated Cl^? in its cavity by hydrogen bonds from amides, and the cavity of L1 was capped with a TBA cation through hydrogen bonding and ion‐pair interactions to form a capped‐cleft orientation. To understand the role of the cationic counterpart in solution‐state Cl^? binding processes with this series of receptors (L1–L4), a detailed Cl^? binding study was carried out with three different tetraalkylammonium (Me₄N⁺, Et₄N⁺, and Bu₄N⁺) salts of Cl^?. The binding affinities of these receptors with different tetralkylammonium salts of Cl^? gave binding constants with the TBA cation in the following order: butyl>ethyl>methyl. This study further supports the role of the TBA countercation in ion‐pair recognition by this series of receptors.     

Template‐free anion‐controlled synthesis of Pd (II) nano‐aggregates for the antifouling polymerization of CO and ethylene

The reaction of [(domppp) Pd (OAc)₂] [domppp = 1,3‐bis (di‐o‐methoxyphenylphosphino)propane] and imidazolium‐functionalized carboxylic acids containing various anions (Br^?, PF₆^?, SbF₆^? and BF₄^?) resulted in the formation of nano‐sized Pd (II) aggregates under template‐free conditions. The rate of formation of aggregates can be modulated by changing the anion, affecting the rate of polymerization of CO and olefins without fouling. Herein, we describe the analysis of Pd (II) catalysts by dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography, and co‐ and terpolymerization results including the catalytic activity, and bulk density and molecular weight of polymers.     

Effect of Functionalized Groups on Gas‐Adsorption Properties: Syntheses of Functionalized Microporous Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their High Gas‐Storage Capacity

The microporous metal–organic framework (MMOF) Zn₄O(L1)₂ ? 9 DMF ? 9 H₂O ( 1‐H ) and its functionalized derivatives Zn₄O(L1‐CH₃)₂ ? 9 DMF ? 9 H₂O ( 2‐CH₃ ) and Zn₄O(L1‐Cl)₂ ? 9 DMF ? 9 H₂O ( 3‐Cl ) have been synthesized and characterized (H₃L1=4‐[N,N‐bis(4‐methylbenzoic acid)amino]benzoic acid, H₃L1‐CH₃=4‐[N,N‐bis(4‐methylbenzoic acid)amino]‐2‐methylbenzoic acid, H₃L1‐Cl=4‐[N,N‐bis(4‐methylbenzoic acid)amino]‐2‐chlorobenzoic acid). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses confirmed that the two functionalized MMOFs are isostructural to their parent MMOF, and are twofold interpenetrated three‐dimensional (3D) microporous frameworks. All of the samples possess enduring porosity with Langmuir surface areas over 1950 cm² g^?1. Their pore volumes and surface areas decrease in the order 1‐H > 2‐CH₃ > 3‐Cl . Gas‐adsorption studies show that the H₂ uptakes of these samples are among the highest of the MMOFs (2.37 wt % for 3‐Cl at 77 K and 1 bar), although their structures are interpenetrating. Furthermore, this work reveals that the adsorbate–adsorbent interaction plays a more important role in the gas‐adsorption properties of these samples at low pressure, whereas the effects of the pore volumes and surface areas dominate the gas‐adsorption properties at high pressure.     

Gold Nanoparticles Electrodeposited on Ordered Mesoporous Carbon as an Enhanced Material for Nonenzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor

A facile and controllable electrodeposition method was developed to directly attach gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC). The GNPs on OMC substrate were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), respectively. A nonenzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) sensor was fabricated on GNPs‐OMC/GCE. The sensor demonstrated a fast amperometric response (2.5 s), a wide linear range toward H₂O₂ concentrations between 2.0×10^?6 and 3.92×10^?3 M (R=0.999), and a low detection limit of 0.49 µM (S/N=3). Moreover, it exhibited good reproducibility and long‐term stability. The excellent electrocatalytical activity might be attributed to the synergistic effect of OMC and GNPs.     

Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticle Doped MnO2/GO Nanocomposites at a Gas/Liquid Interface and its Application in H2O2 Detection

Ag/MnO₂/GO nanocomposites were synthesized via the method of gas/liquid interface based on silver mirror reaction, and a non‐enzymatic H₂O₂ sensor was fabricated through immobilizing Ag/MnO₂/GO nanocomposites on GCE. The composition and morphology of the nanocomposites were studied by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrochemical investigation indicated that it exhibited a favorable performance for the H₂O₂ detection. Its linear detection range was from 3 μM to 7 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9960; the sensitivity was 105.40 μA mM^?1 cm^?2 and the detection limit was estimated to be 0.7 μM at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3.     

Poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate)‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes from surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerizations of N‐carboxylanhydride

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with poly(γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamate) (PBLG) by ring‐opening polymerizations of γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamic acid‐based N‐carboxylanhydrides (NCA‐BLG) using amino‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐NH₂) as initiators. The SWCNT functionalization has been verified by FTIR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The FTIR study reveals that surface‐attached PBLGs adopt random‐coil conformations in contrast to the physically absorbed or bulk PBLGs, which exhibit α‐helical conformations. Raman spectroscopic analysis reveals a significant alteration of the electronic structure of SWCNTs as a result of PBLG functionalization. The PBLG‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐PBLG) exhibit enhanced solubility in DMF. Stable DMF solutions of SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG with a maximum SWCNTs concentration of 259 mg L^?1 can be readily obtained. SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG solid composites have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide/small‐angle X‐ray scattering (W/SAXS), scanning electron microscopy, and polarized optical microscopy for their thermal or morphological properties. Microfibers containing SWCNT‐PBLG and PBLG can also be prepared via electrospinning. WAXS characterization reveals that SWCNTs are evenly distributed among PBLG rods in solution and in the solid state where PBLGs form a short‐range nematic phase interspersed with amorphous domains. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2340–2350, 2010     

Synthesis and crystal structure of 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxypyridinium dioxido(pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylato‐κ3O2,N,O6)vanadate(V) and its conversion to nanostructured V2O5

2‐Amino‐3‐hydroxypyridinium dioxido(pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylato‐κ³O²,N,O⁶)vanadate(V), (C₅H₇N₂O)[V(C₇H₃NO₄)O₂] or [H(amino‐3‐OH‐py)][VO₂(dipic)], (I), was prepared by the reaction of VCl₃ with dipicolinic acid (dipicH₂) and 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxypyridine (amino‐3‐OH‐py) in water. The compound was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and X‐ray structure analysis, and consists of an anionic [VO₂(dipic)]⁻ complex and an H(amino‐3‐OH‐py)⁺ counter‐cation. The V^V ion is five‐coordinated by one O,N,O′‐tridentate dipic dianionic ligand and by two oxide ligands. Thermal decomposition of (I) in the presence of polyethylene glycol led to the formation of nanoparticles of V₂O₅. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the synthesized powder.     

Iron oxide on carbon‐based supports as efficient catalysts for organic compounds oxidation

For the first time, iron oxide on carbon aerogel, amine functionalized carbon nanotube, black carbon and carboxylic acid functionalized carbon nanotube in the presence of H₂O₂ was reported as an efficient and stable catalyst for the selective oxidation of sulfides and alcohols. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. In the next step, catalytic reactivity toward sulfide to sulfoxide and alcohol to aldehyde/ketone oxidation in the presence of H₂O₂ was studied and discussed.     

Oxidation of ethylbenzene to styrene oxide in the presence of cellulose‐supported Pd magnetic nanoparticles

Palladium and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were deposited on N‐(2‐aminoethyl)acetamide‐functionalized cellulose for use in a catalytic reaction. The catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy, and applied in the oxidation reaction of ethylbenzene at 100 °C using H₂O₂. Styrene oxide was obtained as the sole product of the oxidation reaction during 24 h. This reaction has some advantages such as one‐pot transformation of ethylbenzene to styrene oxide, high yield, excellent selectivity and magnetically recoverable catalyst. Also, the recovered catalyst could be used in the oxidation reaction four times without decrease in yield. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

BCN: A Graphene Analogue with Remarkable Adsorptive Properties

A new analogue of graphene containing boron, carbon and nitrogen (BCN) has been obtained by the reaction of high‐surface‐area activated charcoal with a mixture of boric acid and urea at 900 °C. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron energy‐loss spectroscopy reveal the composition to be close to BCN. The X‐ray diffraction pattern, high‐resolution electron microscopy images and Raman spectrum indicate the presence of graphite‐type layers with low sheet‐to‐sheet registry. Atomic force microscopy reveals the sample to consist of two to three layers of BCN, as in a few‐layer graphene. BCN exhibits more electrical resistivity than graphene, but weaker magnetic features. BCN exhibits a surface area of 2911 m² g^?1, which is the highest value known for a B_xC_yN_z composition. It exhibits high propensity for adsorbing CO₂ (≈100 wt %) at 195 K and a hydrogen uptake of 2.6 wt % at 77 K. A first‐principles pseudopotential‐based DFT study shows the stable structure to consist of BN₃ and NB₃ motifs. The calculations also suggest the strongest CO₂ adsorption to occur with a binding energy of 3.7 kJ mol^?1 compared with 2.0 kJ mol^?1 on graphene.     

Synthesis and ceramic conversion of a new oligomeric precursor to boron nitride

A new polyaminoborazine with good solubility was synthesized by ammonolysis reaction of a mixture of B‐chloroborazine, B‐bischloroborazine, and B‐trichloroborazine under mild condition. The oligomer was easily cured at 250°C. The pyrolytic residue of the cured oligomer was investigated with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicated that crystalline h‐BN with B/N ratio of 1:1.01 is main in the residue pyrolyzed at 1500°C. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A fourfold interpenetrating cadmium(II) metal–organic framework based on 2,4,6‐tris(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine with reversible photochromic properties

2,4,6‐Tris(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (tpt), as an organic molecule with an electron‐deficient nature, has attracted considerable interest because of its photoinduced electron transfer from neutral organic molecules to form stable anionic radicals. This makes it an excellent candidate as an organic linker in the construction of photochromic complexes. Such a photochromic three‐dimensional (3D) metal–organic framework (MOF) has been prepared using this ligand. Crystallization of tpt with Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O in an N,N‐dimethylacetamide–methanol mixed‐solvent system under solvothermal conditions afforded the 3D MOF poly[[bis(nitrato‐κ²O,O′)cadmium(II)]‐μ₃‐2,4,6‐tris(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐κ³N²:N⁴:N⁶], [Cd(NO₃)₂(C₁₈H₁₂N₆)]_n, which was characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The X‐ray diffraction crystal structure analysis reveals that the asymmetric unit contains one independent Cd^II cation, one tpt ligand and two coordinated NO₃^? anions. The Cd^II cations are connected by tpt ligands to generate a 3D framework. The single framework leaves voids that are filled by mutual interpenetration of three independent equivalent frameworks in a fourfold interpenetrating architecture. The compound shows a good thermal stability and exhibits a reversible photochromic behaviour, which may originate from the photoinduced electron‐transfer generation of radicals in the tpt ligand.     

N‐heterocyclic carbene–palladium(II) complex supported on magnetic mesoporous silica for Heck cross‐coupling reaction

Magnetic mesoporous silica was prepared via embedding magnetite nanoparticles between channels of mesoporous silica (SBA‐15). The prepared composite (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐SBA) was then reacted with 3‐chloropropyltriethoxysilane, sodium imidazolide and 2‐bromopyridine to give 3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐iumpropyl‐functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐SBA as a supported pincer ligand for Pd(II). The functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica was further reacted with [PdCl₂(SMe₂)₂] to produce a supported N‐heterocyclic carbene–Pd(II) complex. The obtained catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement and X‐ray diffraction. The amount of the loaded complex was 80.3 mg g^?1, as calculated through thermogravimetric analysis. The formation of the ordered mesoporous structure of SBA‐15 was confirmed using low‐angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Also, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the Pd(II) complex on the magnetic support. The prepared magnetic catalyst was then effectively used in the coupling reaction of olefins with aryl halides, i.e. the Heck reaction, in the presence of a base. The reaction parameters, such as solvent, base, temperature, amount of catalyst and reactant ratio, were optimized by choosing the coupling reaction of 1‐bromonaphthalene and styrene as a model Heck reaction. N‐Methylpyrrolidone as solvent, 0.25 mol% catalyst, K₂CO₃ as base, reaction temperature of 120°C and ultrasonication of the catalyst for 10 min before use provided the best conditions for the Heck cross‐coupling reaction. The best results were observed for aryl bromides and iodides while aryl chlorides were found to be less reactive. The catalyst exhibited noticeable stability and reusability.     

Trace Level Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide at a Carbon Ceramic Electrode Modified with Copper Oxide Nanostructures

An electrochemical sensor was developed for determination of hydrogen peroxide based on nanocopper oxides modified carbon sol‐gel or carbon ceramic electrode (CCE). The modified electrode was prepared by electrodeposition of metallic copper on the CCE surface and derivatized in situ to copper oxides nanostructures and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The modified electrode responded linearly to the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration over the range 0.78–193.98 µmol L^?1 with a detection limit of 71 nmol L^?1 (S/N=3) and the sensitivity of 0.697 A mol^?1 L cm^?2. This electrode was used as selective amperometric sensor for determination of H₂O₂ contents in hair coloring creams.     

A Nonenzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Silver Nanowires and Chitosan Film

A nonenzymatic amperometric electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was fabricated based on highly dense silver nanowires (Ag NWs) and chitosan (CS) film. Ag NWs were synthesized by a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP)‐mediated polyol process in the presence of manganese chloride (MnCl₂), and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Under the optimal conditions, the proposed nonenzymatic sensor exhibited good electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of H₂O₂, and could detect H₂O₂ in the linear range of 0.008–1.35 mM, with a detection limit of 2 µM (S/N=3).     

Cleaning of pyrolytic hexagonal boron nitride surfaces

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) has recently garnered significant interest as a substrate and dielectric for two‐dimensional materials and devices based on graphene or transition metal dichalcogenides such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). As substrate surface impurities and defects can negatively impact the structure and properties of two‐dimensional materials, h‐BN surface preparation and cleaning are a critical consideration. In this regard, we have utilized X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate the influence of several ex situ wet chemical and in situ thermal desorption cleaning procedures on pyrolytic h‐BN surfaces. Of the various wet chemistries investigated, a 10 : 1 buffered HF solution was found to produce surfaces with the lowest amount of oxygen and carbon contamination. Ultraviolet/ozone oxidation was found to be the most effective ex situ treatment for reducing carbon contamination. Annealing at 1050 °C in vacuum or 10^?5 Torr NH₃ was found to further reduce oxygen and carbon contamination to the XPS detection limits. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrochemical Fabrication and Properties of Highly Ordered Fe‐Doped TiO2 Nanotubes

Highly‐ordered Fe‐doped TiO₂ nanotubes (TiO₂nts) were fabricated by anodization of co‐sputtered Ti–Fe thin films in a glycerol electrolyte containing NH₄F. The as‐sputtered Ti–Fe thin films correspond to a solid solution of Ti and Fe according to X‐ray diffraction. The Fe‐doped TiO₂nts were studied in terms of composition, morphology and structure. The characterization included scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky analysis. As a result of the Fe doping, an indirect bandgap of 3.0 eV was estimated using Tauc’s plot, and this substantial red‐shift extends its photoresponse to visible light. From the Mott–Schottky analysis, the flat‐band potential (E_fb) and the charge carrier concentration (N_D) were determined to be ?0.95 V vs Ag/AgCl and 5.0 ×10¹⁹ cm^?3 respectively for the Fe‐doped TiO₂nts, whilst for the undoped TiO₂nts, E_fb of ?0.85 V vs Ag/AgCl and N_D of 6.5×10¹⁹ cm^?3 were obtained.