Synthesis of N-doped nano TiO2 using guanidine nitrate: an excellent visible light photocatalyst

An excellent visible light active nitrogen-rich TiO2 nanocatalyst has been synthesized by using guanidine nitrate as the nitrogen source. The catalytic efficiency of the catalyst has been demonstrated by the decomposition of the dye, methyl orange (MO), and the pollutant, 2,4 dichlorophenol (DCP), under common household lightbulbs as well as sunlight. The reactions proceed faster on exposure to solar light (less than 1 h for MO and 4 h for DCP) compared with the commercial light bulbs (3 h for MO and 6 h for DCP). The catalyst could be used up to five times without loss of activity and regenerated for further use just by washing and drying at 200 degrees C.