In situ alternative switching between Ti4+ and Ti3+ driven by H2O2 in TiO2 nanostructures: mechanism of pseudo-Fenton reaction

Abstract

Here, we report the discovery that Ti⁴⁺ in TiO₂ nanostructures can be reduced in situ to Ti³⁺ in the presence of H₂O₂ to generate hydroxyl radicals for the oxidation of organic pollutants. The Ti⁴⁺ in the TiO₂ nanostructure and the reduced Ti³⁺ driven by H₂O₂ can alternatively switch in situ, which endows the catalyst with a long life and excellent cyclic ability.