Recent Development of Photocatalysts Containing Carbon Species: A Review

Abstract

Undoubtedly, carbon-based (nano)composites can be promising photocatalysts with improved photocatalytic activity due to the coupling effect from the incorporation of carbon species. In this mini-review, we focus on the recent development of photocatalysts based on carbon-based (nano)composites. TiO2 is well-known as a typical photocatalyst. Special attention is paid to the various types of carbon–TiO2 composites such as C-doped TiO2, N–C-doped TiO2, metal–C-doped TiO2, and other co-doped C/TiO2 composites. Various synthetic strategies including the solvothermal/hydrothermal method, sol–gel method, and template-directed method are reviewed for the preparation of carbon-based TiO2 composites. C/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composites and ternary C-doped composites are also summarized and ascribed to the unique electronic structure of g-C3N4 and the synergistic effect of the ternary interfaces, respectively. In the end, we put forward the future perspective of the photocatalysts containing carbon species based on our knowledge.

Effect of the Titanium Isopropoxide:Acetylacetone Molar Ratio on the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Thin Films

“…The amount of C-O and Ti-O-C at the molar ratio 1:8 is also higher, which means that carbon from the unchelated acetylacetone is transported to the TiO 2 lattice during the decomposition of organic matter. It is reported in the literature that carbon doping enhances photocatalytic activity since it results in localized states occupied in the band gap [41,42]. One carbon atom incorporation into the TiO 2 lattice in an interstitial position generates three strong covalent C-O bonds.…”

Recent advances in photocatalytic self-cleaning performances of TiO2-based building materials

“… 14 The formation of C–Ti bond significantly improves the photocatalytic activity TiO 2 . 39 Graphene is a suitable alternative to noble metals. The self-cleaning surface technology of graphene loaded titanium dioxide is expected to obtain cheap, highly conductive and highly photocatalytic transparent films.…”

Recent Development in Non-Metal-Doped Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysts for Different Dyes Degradation and the Study of Their Strategic Factors: A Review

“…However, organic chemicals, different dyes, and medicines were removed using C/TiO 2 photocatalyst matrices derived from aqueous [117]. The C/TiO 2 with several forms of carbon precursors was reported [118]. The most utilized carbon precursors are difficult to detect since the researchers use a variety of chemicals for titanium precursors, such as titanium carbide, titanium (IV) oxacetylacetonate, and titanium (IV) butoxide (TBOT) to act as TiO 2 .…”