An efficient visible light photocatalyst prepared from TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and polyvinyl chloride

An efficient visible light photocatalyst has been prepared from TiO₂ nanoparticles and a partly conjugated polymer derived from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The visible light photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared photocatalyst was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The XPS, FT-IR, and Raman spectra show that the partly conjugated polymer derived from PVC exists on the surface of the TiO₂ nanoparticles. The UV–Vis DRS, XRD, and TEM results reveal that the modification of the partly conjugated polymer can obviously improve the absorbance of the TiO₂ nanoparticles in the range of visible light and hardly affect their size and crystallinity. The visible light photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared TiO₂ nanocomposites is higher than that of commercial TiO₂ (Degussa P25) and comparable with those of visible light photocatalysts reported in the literature. Their visible light photocatalytic stability is also good. The reasons for their excellent visible light photocatalytic activity and the major factors affecting their photocatalytic activity are discussed.     

Effects of samarium dopant on photocatalytic activity of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocrystallite for methylene blue degradation

Sm³⁺-doped TiO₂ nanocrystalline was synthesized by a sol–gel auto-combustion method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method (BET), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and also photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of Sm³⁺–TiO₂ catalyst was evaluated by measuring degradation rates of methylene blue (MB) under either UV or visible light. The results showed that doping with the samarium ions significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity for MB degradation under UV or visible light irradiation. This was ascribed to the fact that a small amount of samarium dopant simultaneously increased MB adsorption capacity and separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs. The results of DRS showed that Sm³⁺-doped TiO₂ had significant absorption between 400 nm and 500 nm, which increased with the increase of samarium ion content. The adsorption experimental demonstrated that Sm³⁺–TiO₂ had a higher MB adsorption capacity than undoped TiO₂ and adsorption capacity of MB increased with the increase of samarium ion content. It is found that the stronger the PL intensity, the higher the photocatalytic activity. This could be explained by the points that PL spectra mainly resulted from surface oxygen vacancies and defects during the process of PL, while surface oxygen vacancies and defects could be favorable in capturing the photoinduced electrons during the process of photocatalytic reactions, so that the recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes could be effectively inhibited.     

A facile one step synthesis of SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/CuO and CuO/SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposites: photocatalytic application

Here novel photocatalysts, SnO₂/CuO and CuO/SnO₂ nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by chemical method at room temperature. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform Infrared (FT-IR), UV–Visible (UV–Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were utilized for characterization of the nanocomposites. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was investigated. The hybrid nanocomposites exhibited high photocatalytic activity as evident from the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. The result revealed substantial degradation of the MB dye (92 and 69.5% degradation of SnO₂/CuO and CuO/SnO₂, respectively) under visible light illumination with short period of 30 min. Their large conduction band potential difference and the inner electrostatic field formed in the p–n heterojunction provide a strong driving force for the photogenerated electrons to move from Cu₂O to SnO₂ under visible light illumination. The excellent photodegradation of methylene blue suggested that the heterostructured SnO₂/CuO nanocomposite possessed higher charge separation and photodegradation abilities than CuO/SnO₂ nanocomposite under visible light irradiation.     

Synthesis of graphene oxide/Ag<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript> composite with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

The nano-scale Ag₃PO₄ was successfully synthesized by the silver ammonia complexing precipitation method at room temperature. And the Graphene oxide (GO)/Ag₃PO₄ nanocomposites with different contents of GO were successfully synthesized using the electrostatic driving method. The as-prepared GO/Ag₃PO₄ nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), confirming that Ag₃PO₄ were highly dispersed to GO sheet. The photocatalytic properties of GO/Ag₃PO₄ were evaluated by the degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) under visible light irradiation and solar irradiation respectively. The results showed that the photocatalytic efficiencies of GO/Ag₃PO₄ nanocomposites had enhanced largely and the kinetics reaction models were followed first-order. Furthermore, 5% GO/Ag₃PO₄ exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity on degradation of MO under visible-light irradiation. The improved photocatalytic performances of the GO/Ag₃PO₄ nanocomposites mainly attributed to the introducing of GO, which benefit for electron transfer and inhibit the recombination of electron–hole pairs, promoting the practical application of Ag₃PO₄ in water purification.     

Sn<Superscript>4+</Superscript> and La<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles and their optical,photocatalytic and antibacterial properties under visible light

Sn⁴⁺ and La³⁺ co-doped TiO₂ photocatalytic material with nanoparticle structure have been successfully prepared using SnCl₂·2H₂O and La(NO₃)₃·6H₂O as precursors. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy have been used to for the characterization of the morphology, crystal structure, particle size and optical properties of the samples. The photocatalytic properties of sample with various amount of La doped TiO₂ have been studied by photo degradation of methyl orange (MO) in water under visible light. XRD patterns showed both rutile and anatase phases for 5 mol% of Sn and 5–10 mol% of La. But anatase phase with a little rutile phase was formed for 5 mol%Sn and 10 mol%La. The prepared Sn and La co doped TiO₂ photo-catalyst showed optical absorption edge in the visible light area and exhibited excellent photo-catalytic ability for degradation of MO solution under visible irradiation. Antibacterial behavior towards E. coli was then studied under visible irradiation. The synthesized T-5%Sn-10%La powder exhibited superior antibacterial activity under visible irradiation compared to the pure TiO₂.     

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO2 nanotube array films

The N-doped TiO₂ nanotube array films were fabricated directly by one-step electrochemical anodic oxidation of Ti foils in an HF electrolyte containing ammonium and nitrate ions. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDX), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that N dopant was successfully introduced into the TiO₂ nanotube array films. The N-doped TiO₂ nanotube array films showed a red shift and an enhancement of the absorption in the visible light region compared to the undoped sample. The photocatalytic activities of the N-doped TiO₂ samples were much higher than those of the undoped sample. A maximum enhancement of photocatalytic activity was achieved for the N-doped TiO₂ sample prepared in 0.07 M HF electrolyte containing 1.0 M NH₄NO₃, and 81% of MO was degraded in 150 min under visible light irradiation.     

An investigation on synthesis and photocatalytic activity of polyaniline sensitized nanocrystalline TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composites

Polyaniline (PAn) sensitized nanocrystalline TiO₂ composite photocatalyst (PAn/TiO₂) with high activity and easy separation was facilely prepared by in situ chemical oxidation of aniline from the surfaces of the TiO₂ nanoparticles. The morphology, structure, and light absorption properties of composite photocatalyst were examined in term of its application to photocatalysis. The photocatalytic activity of PAn/TiO₂ nanocomposites for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution was investigated and compared with pure TiO₂. The spectra analyses illustrated that, when PAn deposited on the surface of TiO₂, the crystalline behavior of PAn was hampered and the degree of crystallinity decreased, and the characteristic peaks of the PAn were shifted indicating that there was a strong interaction between PAn and TiO₂ nanoparticles. PAn was able to sensitize TiO₂ efficiently and the composite photocatalyst could be activated by absorbing both the ultraviolet and visible light (λ = 190–800 nm), whereas pure TiO₂ absorbed ultraviolet light only (λ < 400 nm). Photocatalytic experiments showed that under natural light irradiation, MB could be degraded more efficiently on the PAn/TiO₂ than on the pure TiO₂, due to the charge transfer from PAn to TiO₂ and efficient separation of e⁻-h⁺ pairs on the interface of PAn and TiO₂ in the excited state. More significantly, the PAn/TiO₂ composite photocatalyst exhibited easy separation and less deactivation after several runs. The advantages of the obtained PAn/TiO₂ composite photocatalyst revealed its great practical potential in wastewater treatment.     

Visible light photocatalytic degradation of paraoxon and parathion pesticides on carbon-doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanorod thin films

In the present work the nanostructured carbon-doped TiO₂ thin films with nanorod morphology were deposited on glass substrate by a combination of ultrasonic and chemical vapor deposition methods, and for the first time were applied for the photocatalytic degradation of paraoxon and parathion organophosphorus pesticides under visible light irradiation. X-ray Diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used for characterization of the prepared thin films. Obtained results show that presence of carbon element and also special nanorod morphology of the thin films remarkably improve the optical properties of TiO₂ in visible light region and results in the good visible light photocatalytic activity of the thin films for degradation of the pesticides. The photonic efficiencies of the prepared thin films were also examined based on the international ISO-10678:2010 standard protocol for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV light irradiation. The results show a maximum photonic efficiency of 0.0312% for the carbon-doped TiO₂ thin film with 570 nm thickness, which compared to a reference standard TiO₂ films indicates a 30% improvement in photonic efficiency.     

Oxalic acid assisted hydrothermal synthesis and optical absorption property of WO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposites

The WO₃/TiO₂ nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a facile oxalic acid assisted hydrothermal process. The oxalic acid played a vital role on the preparation of WO₃/TiO₂ nanocomposites. Notably, it has been observed that the nanocomposites exhibited the wider absorption edge, and the higher photocatalytic activity, compared with pure TiO₂. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism was proposed, and it elaborated that WO₃/TiO₂ nanocomposite promoted the separation of the photoproduction carriers, and improved photocatalytic activity. The WO₃/TiO₂ nanocomposite may have a potential application as a UV–visible photocatalyst.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of hemisphere-like F-doped anatase TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with visible light photocatalytic activity

Hemisphere-like F-doped anatase TiO₂ has been synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of TiF₄ aqueous solution in the presence of starch at 130 °C for 10 h, and then calcined at 450 °C for 2.5 h in air. The as-synthesized product has been investigated by photocatalytic reaction test and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results showed that fluorine was successfully doped into the TiO₂ hemispheres. The F-doped TiO₂ hemispheres showed high visible light activity in degradation of acid orange II, which could be attributed to the creation of oxygen vacancies and good crystallinity.     

Facile fabrication of hierarchical BiVO<Subscript>4</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> heterostructures for enhanced photocatalytic activities under visible-light irradiation

BiVO₄/TiO₂ nanocomposites were fabricated by a facile wet-chemical process, followed by the synthesis of TiO₂ hierarchical spheres via hydrothermal method. The BiVO₄/TiO₂ nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that prepared TiO₂ presented hierarchical spherical morphology self-assembled by nanoparticles and an anatase–brookite mixed crystal phase. The introduction of monoclinic BiVO₄ components retained the hierarchical structures and expanded the light response to around 510 nm. Type II BiVO₄/TiO₂ heterostructured nanocomposites exhibited improved photocatalytic degradation towards methylene blue under visible-light irradiation, especially for the composite photocatalysts with atomic Ti/Bi?=?10, which showed double degradation rate than that of pure BiVO₄. The enhanced photocatalytic mechanism of the heterostructured BiVO₄/TiO₂ nanocomposites was discussed as well.     

Enhanced Photocatalytic Performances of CeO2/TiO2 Nanobelt Heterostructures

CeO₂/TiO₂ nanobelt heterostructures are synthesized via a cost‐effective hydrothermal method. The as‐prepared nanocomposites consist of CeO₂ nanoparticles assembled on the rough surface of TiO₂ nanobelts. In comparison with P25 TiO₂ colloids, surface‐coarsened TiO₂ nanobelts, and CeO₂ nanoparticles, the CeO₂/TiO₂ nanobelt heterostructures exhibit a markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of organic pollutants such as methyl orange (MO) under either UV or visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to a novel capture–photodegradation–release mechanism. During the photocatalytic process, MO molecules are captured by CeO₂ nanoparticles, degraded by photogenerated free radicals, and then released to the solution. With its high degradation efficiency, broad active light wavelength, and good stability, the CeO₂/TiO₂ nanobelt heterostructures represent a new effective photocatalyst that is low‐cost, recyclable, and will have wide application in photodegradation of various organic pollutants. The new capture–photodegradation–release mechanism for improved photocatalysis properties is of importance in the rational design and synthesis of new photocatalysts.     

Oxygen-rich TiO2 decorated with C-Dots: Highly efficient visible-light-responsive photocatalysts in degradations of different contaminants

Providing novel photocatalysts with high photocatalytic efficiency is of great significance. In the present work, hydrogen peroxide and carbon dots (C-Dots) were utilized to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO₂ under visible light. The fabricated TiO₂-peroxo/C-Dots photocatalysts were analyzed by XRD, HRTEM, SEM, EDX, BET, FT-IR, XPS, PL, UV–Vis DRS, EIS, and photocurrent density. Photocatalytic abilities of the nanocomposites were evaluated by photocatalytic removal of RhB, MO, MB, fuchsine, and Cr (VI) upon visible-light illumination. The results demonstrated that the binary nanocomposites exhibited remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with the TiO₂ and TiO₂-peroxo photocatalysts. The best photocatalytic performance was obtained using 0.75?mL of C-Dots, which was approximately 79.2, 17.1, 71.4, and 40.5 times higher than the pure TiO₂ for degradations of RhB, MO, MB, and fuchsine, respectively. Furthermore, the TiO₂-peroxo/C-Dots nanocomposites exhibited high stability in consecutive photocatalytic processes. Based on the results, the TiO₂-peroxo/C-Dots photocatalyst is expected to become a promising photocatalyst for practical applications in water purification.     

Synthesis and characterization of polythiophene-modified TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotube arrays

The highly ordered and uniform TiO₂ nanotube arrays were fabricated by anodic oxidation method and PTh(polythiophene)/TiO₂ nanotube arrays electrode were obtained by electrochemical polymerization. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of TiO₂ phase. The morphologies and optical characteristics of the TiO₂ nanotube arrays were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-Vis absorption spectra and Raman spectra. The results demonstrate that the PTh/TiO₂ electrode could enlarge the visible light absorption region and increase the photocurrent in visible region. The modified TiO₂ electrode with light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 1·46%, the short-circuit current density of 4·52 mAcm^− 2, open-circuit voltage of 0·74 V and fill factor of 0·44, were obtained.     

Synthesis and investigation of SnS<Subscript>2</Subscript>/RGO nanocomposites with different GO concentrations: structure and optical properties,photocatalytic performance

In this study, we report the synthesis of tin disulfide/reduced graphrene oxide (SnS₂/RGO) nanocomposites by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. In order to investigate the effect of RGO on the structure and optical properties and photocatalytic activity of the products a series of nanocomposites was prepared with different concentrations of GO. The samples were examined using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence techniques. The results confirmed the growth of SnS₂ with the hexagonal phase. FESEM analysis showed that the hexagonal tin disulfide nanoplates are uniformly dispersed on the surface of the graphene oxide sheets. The optical examination of SnS₂ and SnS₂/RGO nanocomposites indicated that the band gaps of all nanocomposites are greater than that of SnS₂ due to the quantum confinement effect. The photocatalytic activity of the SnS₂/RGO nanocomposites was investigated for degradation of the acid orange 7 dye under visible light. It was observed that all nanocomposites have a higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation in comparison with pure SnS₂. The optimum concentration of GO in SnS₂/RGO nanocomposite for achieving the highest photocatalytic efficiency (81%) was determined as 2 mg ml^?1 during 180 min.     

A new visible driven nanocomposite including Ti-substituted polyoxometalate/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>: synthesis,characterization, photodegradation of azo dye process optimization by RSM and specific removal rate calculations

A new visible driven photocatalyst K₇Ti₂W₁₀PO₄₀/TiO₂ (KPW/TiO₂) with various KPW contents (2, 11 and 20 wt%) was successfully synthesized through a modified sol–gel-hydrothermal method. The structural properties of the prepared nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, photoluminescence spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). From the results obtained, the 11-KPW/TiO₂ showed the highest photocatalytic activity. Photoluminescence analysis for all synthesized samples showed that the 11-KPW/TiO₂ had the lowest intensity and recombination rate of photogenerated electron and holes. Tauc plots of the photocatalysts show that the presence of KPW in the x-KPW/TiO₂ nanocomposites reduced the band gap of nanocomposites, but the change in the amount of KPW have not a specific effect on the band gap reduction. It seems that the change in the loading of the KPW is effective on the amount of recombination of electron–hole. The absorption edge of the modified TiO₂ showed a red shift into the visible light range. Mott–Schottky plots show a positive slope as expected for n-type semiconductor. The prepared photocatalysts were examined for degradation of DR16 under visible light irradiation. The performance of the photocatalyst was analyzed and modeled by response surface methodology. Optimum conditions were DR16 conc. of 20 mg/L, reaction time 4 h, initial pH (3) and polyoxometalate loading 11 wt%. In order to assess the treatment capacity of the nanophotocatalyst, specific removal rate for the DR16 at all operating conditions were calculated.     

Removal of fluoride from aqueous solution by polypyrrole/Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite

Highly efficient visible light TiO₂ photocatalyst was prepared by the sol-gel method at lower temperature (≤300 °C), and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA). The effects of the heat treatment temperature and time of the as-prepared TiO₂ on its visible light photocatalytic activity were investigated by monitoring the degradation of methyl orange solution under visible light irradiation (wavelength ≥ 400 nm). Results show that the as-prepared TiO₂ nanoparticles possess an anatase phase and mesoporous structure with carbon self-doping and visible photosensitive organic groups. The visible light photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared TiO₂ is greatly higher than those of the commercial TiO₂ (P-25) and other visible photocatalysts reported in literature (such as PPy/TiO₂, P3HT/TiO₂, PANI/TiO₂, N-TiO₂ and Fe³⁺-TiO₂) and its photocatalytic stability is excellent. The reasons for improving the visible light photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared TiO₂ can be explained by carbon self-doping and a large amount of visible photosensitive groups existing in the as-prepared TiO₂. The apparent optical thickness (τ_app), local volumetric rate of photo absorption (LVRPA) and kinetic constant (k_T) of the photodegradation system were calculated.     

Green and reusable Ag/AgCl-TiO2 nanocomposites for visible light-triggered dye degradation

Ag/AgCl-TiO₂ plasmonic nanocomposites (NCs) are endowed with excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity. However, only a few studies investigated environmentally friendly approaches to their synthesis. In this work, Ag/AgCl-TiO₂ NCs at five different compositions were prepared in a single-step process by a green and cost-effective route, using Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad aqueous extract. The role of the aqueous plant extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent, and the formation of the NCs were evidenced by several techniques, including FT-IR, EDS, SEM, HRTEM, elemental mapping, and XRD. The morphological analysis demonstrated that the NCs formed nanoaggregates with an average size of 30 nm. The synthesized Ag/AgCl-TiO₂ NCs displayed a remarkable photoactivity in the visible light region, as confirmed by the significantly higher degradation rates of methyl orange (MO) compared to TiO₂. In particular, the 15% Ag/TiO₂ molar ratio sample revealed a MO degradation efficiency higher than 99% under visible light, and retained high photocatalytic activity even after several degradations runs. Overall, the green, cost-effective, and scalable synthesis of Ag/AgCl-TiO₂ NCs herein reported provides a novel, more sustainable strategy for the high-efficiency modification of TiO₂ photocatalyst in engineering and other environmental applications.     

Nitrogen-substituted TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>: investigation on the photocatalytic activity in the visible light range

Nitrogen-doped titanium oxides are attractive materials for the degradation of organic pollutants in water due to their photocatalytic activity in the visible light range. The evolution of the photocatalytic properties was studied on a number of TiO _x N _y powder samples where x varied from 2 to 0 (TiO₂ to TiN) through increasing the nitrogen content (y = 0–1). X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy showed that an anatase type TiO _x N _y was obtained at low nitrogen contents (<2 wt%). With increasing nitrogen content a structural transition from anatase to cubic TiN was observed. Electron spin resonance measurements of the TiO _x N _y samples confirmed the presence of unpaired electrons and defects for the TiO _x N _y materials with low nitrogen content (<2 wt%). The photo-induced activity of the TiO _x N _y materials was evaluated under VIS illumination of solutions containing methylene blue as an organic probe. The TiO _x N _y samples exhibited an improved photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination compared to TiO₂ at nitrogen levels lower than 2 wt%. A photocatalytic activity could not be detected at nitrogen levels higher than 10 wt% and after conversion of the TiO _x N _y into the cubic phase. Optimum photocatalytic activity in the visible range can be achieved at nitrogen levels lower than 2 wt% for TiO _x N _y materials.     

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by Au-deposited TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> film under UV irradiation

A TiO₂ photocatalytic film was prepared by the sol–gel and dip-coating methods. Au-loaded TiO₂ photocatalytic films were produced by the photodeposition method. The photocatalytic activity of the films under UV irradiation was evaluated by measuring the degradation of absorbance for a methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution. Au particles deposited on the TiO₂ film improved the photocatalytic activity under the O₂ bubbling condition. On the other hand, under N₂ or Ar bubbling, the doubly reduced form of MB, leuco-methylene blue (LMB), was formed at the beginning of UV irradiation, and then both MB and LMB were decomposed gradually by the photocatalytic reaction. In this process, Au particles on the TiO₂ film behave as electron traps.