Organotitanias: a versatile approach for band gap reduction in titania based materials

The reduction of the band gap of titania is critically important to fully utilize its photocatalytic properties. Two main strategies, i.e. doping and partial reduction of Ti(IV), are the main alternatives available to date. Herein, we report a new synthesis strategy based on one-pot co-condensation of in situ prepared polymetallic titanium-alkoxide complexes with titanium tetrabutoxide. Using this direct reaction, it is possible to introduce organic compounds in the anatase phase, causing site distortions in the crystalline structure of the network. By using this strategy, a yellow and a black titania have been produced, with the latter showing a remarkable photocatalytic activity under visible-light.

We thank the Spanish MINECO (Projects CTQ2011-28954-C02-01, CTQ2008-06669-C02-02/BQU and CTQ2013-45518-P) for financial support. E.S. acknowledges financial support from the University of Alicante, Spain (GRE12-39).