Photocatalytic Properties of Boron-Doped Titanium Dioxide

Boron-doped titanium dioxide represents a versatile class of semiconductor photocatalysts in which boron atoms are introduced into the TiO₂ lattice or reside in interstitial positions. This modification induces a range of favourable changes: narrowing of the intrinsic band gap, creation of defect states associated with oxygen vacancies and Ti³⁺ centres, and enhanced separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Collectively, these effects extend the absorption edge of TiO₂ into the visible spectrum and improve quantum efficiency under solar or artificial illumination. Surface enrichment of boron can also regulate crystallite growth, increase the proportion of anatase phase and enrich surface hydroxyl groups, all of which contribute to higher photocatalytic turnover for reactions such as pollutant oxidation, volatile organic compound abatement and hydrogen evolution from water. Control over doping level and mode—substitutional versus interstitial—permits fine tuning of the density of mid-gap states and promotes lower recombination rates. Boron-doped TiO₂ therefore holds great promise for environmental remediation, indoor air purification and solar fuel generation, combining low cost, chemical stability and scalability with enhanced visible-light activity.

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Technical terms

Band gap: Energy difference between the valence band and conduction band of a semiconductor that determines the onset of light absorption.

Heterojunction: Interface formed between two different semiconductor crystals that facilitates directional charge transfer.

Z-scheme: Photocatalytic configuration mimicking natural photosynthesis, in which two semiconductors exchange electrons to maintain strong redox potentials.

Interstitial doping: Incorporation of foreign atoms into the spaces between lattice points, creating defect states without displacing host atoms.

Oxygen vacancy: Missing oxygen atom in the lattice that introduces donor levels and enhances electronic conductivity.

Ti³⁺ species: Reduced titanium centres associated with improved visible-light activity and charge mobility.

Electron–hole pair: Bound state of an excited electron and the positively charged vacancy it leaves, whose separation is critical for photocatalysis.

References

1. Oxygen Vacancy Mediated Band-Gap Engineering via B-Doping for Enhancing Z-Scheme A-TiO2/R-TiO2 Heterojunction Photocatalytic Performance. Nanomaterials (2023).
2. Surface-Enriched Boron-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles as Photocatalysts for Propene Oxidation. ACS Applied Nano Materials (2022).
3. Optimization of Boron Doped TiO2 as an Efficient Visible Light-Driven Photocatalyst for Organic Dye Degradation With High Reusability. Frontiers in Chemistry (2020).
4. Unravelling the Efficient Photocatalytic Activity of Boron-induced Ti3+ Species in the Surface Layer of TiO2. Scientific Reports (2016).