C/TiO2 nanohybrids co-doped by N and their enhanced photocatalytic ability

N-doping carbon–TiO2 nanohybrids (NCTs, nitrogen not only in situ doped carbon film but also doped TiO2 nanocrystals, and 5–10 nm TiO2 nanocrystals evenly dispersed on N-doping carbon film) have been successfully prepared by a mild, one-step approach. N–O–Ti chemical bonds between N–Carbon film and N–TiO2 nanoparticles were formed, and here, N–Carbon can not only sensitize and modify TiO2 nanocrystals surface, but also N can dope in the TiO2 nanocrystals. The as-prepared NCTs were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TEM, FT-IR, electrochemistry method. It was demonstrated that the as-obtained NCTs have a large BET specific surface area of 279.43 m2/g. The NCTs show excellent photocatalytic abilities towards organic (Rhodamine B) and inorganic pollutant (K2Cr2O7) degradation under visible light irradiation. This work provided a new approach for the high performance catalyst design towards new energy sources and environmental issues. - Graphical abstract: C/TiO2 nanohybrids co-doped by N with excellent photocatalytic performance were prepared. Highlights: ► C/TiO2 nanohybrids (NCTs) co-doped by nitrogen (N) were prepared. ► N was not only in situ doped in carbon film but also doped in TiO2 nanoparticles. ► N–O–Ti chemical bonds were formed between C film and TiO2 nanoparticles. ► NCTs exhibited excellent visible-light photocatalytic performance.