Morphological control and photocatalytic activities of nitrogen-doped titania nanoparticles by microwave-assisted solvothermal process

In the present research, nitrogen-doped titania nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a microwave-assisted solvothermal process using desired solvents, such as water, methanol, and ethanol. The phase compositions, specific surface areas, photochemical properties, morphology and photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples were characterized. The as-prepared samples showed visible-light absorption in the range of 400-550 nm, indicating its potential applications as visible light induced photocatalyst. The effect of treatment solvents were investigated in details. The morphology of the samples varies from different solvents, fine powders, nanorods, sphere with needles on the surface were obtained. The results of the present research indicated that the microwave-assisted solvothermal process was an effective/potential way for the synthesis of some novel functional materials.