Boron and nitrogen-codoped TiO2 nanorods: Synthesis, characterization, and photoelectrochemical properties

Boron and nitrogen codoped TiO2 nanorods (BNTRs) were synthesized via two-step hydrothermal reactions using TiN as a starting material. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that TiO2 nanorods with the diameter of approximately 50-100 nm and the length of several micrometers were doped by the interstitial N and B. The nanorods were firstly formed in the hydrothermal synthesis of nitrogen doped TiO2. The growing process of nanorods was observed by SEM and a most probable formation mechanism of the trititanate nanorods was proposed. The BNTRs showed a higher photocatalytic activity and a bigger photocurrent response than N-TiO2 nanorods under visible light irradiation. - Graphical abstract: Boron and nitrogen codoped TiO2 nanorods (BNTRs) were synthesized using TiN. The BNTRs showed a higher photocatalytic activity and a bigger photocurrent than N-TiO2 nanorods (NTRs) under visible light irradiation. Highlights: → Novel B- and N-codoped TiO2 nanorods (BNTRs) are designed and synthesized. → A most probable formation mechanism of the trititanate nanorods is proposed. → The BNTRs show an outstanding photocurrent response under visible light. → The BNTRs exhibit an improved visible light photocatalytic activity.