Ti^（3＋） self-doped anatase three-dimensional（3D） TiO_2 hollow nanoboxes were synthesized via a topological transformation process involving template participation by a facile one-pot hydrothermal treatment with an ethanol solution of zinc powder and TiOF_2. It is worth noting that the 3D TiO_2 hollow nanoboxes are assembled from six single-crystal nanosheets and have dominant exposure of the {001} facets. It is found from EPR spectra that adding zinc powder is an environment-friendly and effective strategy to introduce Ti^（3＋） and oxygen vacancy（Ov） into the bulk of 3D hollow nanoboxes rather than the surface, which is responsible for their enhanced visible photocatalytic properties.The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by measuring the formation rate of hydroxide free radicals using 7-hydroxycoumarin as a probe. The sample prepared with zinc/TiOF_2 mass ratio of0.25 exhibited the highest RhB photodegradation activity under visible-light irradiation with a degradation rate of 96%, which is 4.0-times higher than that of pure TiO_2. The results suggest a novel approach to construct in-situ 3D hierarchical TiO_2 hollow nanoboxes doped with Ti^（3＋） and Ov without introducing any impurity elements for superior visible-light photocatalytic activity.
Chengjiang ZhangLijun TianLianqin ChenXiaofang LiKangle LvKejian Deng
