Investigation on a novel ZnO/TiO2–B photocatalyst with enhanced visible photocatalytic activity

A new type of composite photocatalysts (ZnO/TiO2–B) with Zinc oxide nanoparticles dispersed on boron doped titanium dioxide was prepared via a sol–gel method. The as-prepared powders were characterized by HRTEM, XRD, XPS, UV–vis DRS, and PL techniques. The results reveal that B3+ ions are doped into the TiO2 lattice in interstitial mode, while ZnO nanoparticles are dispersed on the surface of TiO2. The absorption of photocatalysts was extended into visible light region and the photogenerated electrons and holes were separated efficiently. Hence, ZnO/TiO2–B composite photocatalyst exhibits much better photocatalytic activity than those of pure TiO2 and TiO2–B on photodegradation of 4-chlorophenol under visible light irradiation.