Preparation of Oxygen-Deficient Titania Nanoparticle Photocatalysts

Oxygen-deficient titania (TiO2) nanoparticle photocatalysts were synthesized using a flame synthesis method. The degree of oxygen deficiency in the TiO2 particles could be changed by moving the position of the quenching N-2 gas ring with respect to the flame to reduce the oxygen concentration in the flame. Photocatalytic property evaluation revealed that the produced TiO2 particles had better photocatalytic performance in the visible light region (wavelength lambda > 420 nm) than commercially available P25 TiO2 particles. We also found that high crystallinity and moderate oxygen deficiency are required for improved photocatalytic performance.