A rhodium(III)
ion (Rh3+)-modified TiO2 (Rh3+/TiO2) photocatalyst, prepared by a simple adsorption
method and exhibiting high levels of photocatalytic activity in degradation
of organic compounds, was investigated by using X-ray absorption fine
structure (XAFS) measurements, (photo)electrochemical measurements,
double-beam photoacoustic (DB-PA) spectroscopic measurements, and
photoluminescence measurements. Based on the results, the features
of the Rh3+ modifier and the working mechanism of the Rh3+/TiO2 photocatalyst are discussed. XAFS measurements
revealed that the Rh3+ species were highly dispersed and
almost atomically isolated on TiO2. The (photo)electrochemical
measurements, DB-PA spectroscopic measurements, and photoluminescence
showed a unique bifunction of the Rh3+ modifier as a promoter
for O2 reductions and an electron injector to the conduction
band of TiO2 for response to visible light. The reasons
for the Rh3+/TiO2 photocatalyst exhibiting higher
levels of photocatalytic activity than those of TiO2 photocatalysts
modified with other metal ions are also discussed on the basis of
obtained results.