Anatase TiO2 sheet-assisted synthesis of Ti3+ self-doped mixed phase TiO2 sheet with superior visible-light photocatalytic performance: Roles of anatase TiO2 sheet.

On the basis of measurements, such as field emission scanning electron microscope, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, X-ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance, photoluminescence spectra, and photocurrent measurements, the roles of anatase TiO2 sheet on synthesizing Ti3+ self-doped mixed phase TiO2 nanosheets (doped TiO2 (A/R, TiO2 (A))) and on improving the performance for photocatalytic CO2 reduction were explored systematically. High surface area anatase TiO2 nanosheets (TiO2 (A)) as a substrate, structure directing agent, and inhibitor, mediated the synthesis of Ti3+ self-doped mixed phase TiO2 nanosheets. Addition of TiO2 (A) significantly improved not only visible light absorption of doped TiO2 (A/R, TiO2 (A)), but also the efficiency of photo-excited charges separations due to the existence of interfacial regions of anatase-rutile TiO2 junctions. Finally, a possible mechanism for interfacial charge transfer at the anatase-rutile TiO2 interface and for photocatalytic CO2 reduction over Pt loaded doped TiO2 (A/R, TiO2 (A)) were proposed.