Effect of calcined atmosphere on the photocatalytic activity of P-doped TiO2.

Highlights: [•] Phosphorus-doped TiO2 calcined under different atmosphere were as catalysts for methyl orange photodegradation. [•] P-doped TiO2 calcined under carbothermic atmosphere (R-TiO2) can decrease the concentration of surface O and improve the effect of P species in TiO2 to some extent. [•] The outstanding photocatalytic activity of P-doped TiO2 is ascribed to the generation of Ti3+ defect sites at the surface or interface of TiO2 caused by P doping. [•] The activity of recycled P-doped TiO2 was found to retain even after third photodegradation experiment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]