Visible light activated sulfur and iron co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol

Fesingle bondS codoped TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared by a sol–gel process and low-temperature solvothermal method. The obtained samples were characterized by XRD, UV–vis DRS, FT-IR, BET, EPR and XPS. Compared with undoped TiO2 and S doped TiO2 photocatalysts, the Fesingle bondS codoped TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity for phenol degradation under visible light irradiation. The optimal ratio of Fe/Ti is 1.0 at%. It was revealed that the band gap of Fesingle bondS codoped TiO2 was obviously decreased, extending the light response of TiO2 into visible light region, and sulfate ions were absorbed on the surface of the TiO2. The high visible light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 was assigned to the beneficial co-effects between S and Fe. The doped Fe(III) and SO42− anchored on TiO2 surface are favorable for the separation of photo-induced electrons and holes, suppressing the recombination of electrons and holes and consequently promoting the formation of hydroxyl radical.