The nitrogen-boron paramagnetic center in visible light sensitized N-B co-doped TiO(2). Experimental and theoretical characterization

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2011 Jan 7;13(1):136-43. doi: 10.1039/c0cp00143k. Epub 2010 Nov 1.

Abstract

Nitrogen boron co-doped TiO(2) prepared via sol-gel synthesis and active under visible light, contains two types of paramagnetic extrinsic defects, both exhibiting a well resolved EPR spectrum. The first center is the well characterized [N(i)O]˙ species (i = interstitial) also present in N-doped TiO(2), while the second one involves both N and B. This latter center (labeled [NOB]˙) exhibits well resolved EPR spectra obtained using either (14)N or (15)N which show a high spin density in a N 2p orbital. The structure of the [NOB]˙ species is different from that previously proposed in the literature and is actually based on the presence of interstitial N and B atoms both bound to the same lattice oxygen ion. The interstitial B is also linked to two other lattice oxygen ions reproducing the trigonal planar structure typical of boron compounds. The energy level of the [NOB]˙ center lies near the edge of the valence band of TiO(2) and, as such, does not contribute to the visible light absorption. However, [NOB]˙ can easily trap one electron generating the [NOB](-) diamagnetic center which introduces a gap state at about 0.4 eV above the top of the valence band. This latter species can contribute to the visible light activity.

MeSH terms

  • Boron / chemistry*
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Gels / chemical synthesis
  • Gels / chemistry
  • Light*
  • Magnetics
  • Nitrogen / chemistry*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Titanium / chemistry*
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Gels
  • titanium dioxide
  • Titanium
  • Nitrogen
  • Boron