Magnetic-field-assisted photocatalysis of N-TiO2 nanoparticles

Nitrogen doped TiO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized through solvothermal method employing Ti (IV) butoxide and HNO 3 as precursors. Structural and optical characterizations confirm their nanometer nature (sizes around 10 nm) and the band-gap energy values in the UV range (3.2 eV). Nitrogen doping enhances the occurrence of optical Urbach tails extending towards the visible region. Visible photocatalytic performance (degradation of methyl orange) is correlated with maximum values in the magnetic susceptibility linked to a magnetic polarization of the anatase structure via defects (oxygen vacancies). The application of magnetic field provides a positive effect (acceleration in reaction kinetics) within the UV-Vis range.