Insight into mechanism for remarkable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of Cu/Pr dual atom co-modified TiO2

The development of high-activity photocatalysts is crucial for the current large-scale development of photocatalytic hydrogen applications. Herein, we have developed a strategy to significantly enhance the hydrogen photocatalytic activity of Cu/Pr di-atom co-modified TiO2 architectures by selectively anchoring Cu single atoms on the oxygen vacancies of the TiO2 surface and replacing a trace of Ti atoms in the bulk with rare earth Pr atoms. Calculation results demonstrated that the synergistic effect between Cu single atoms and Pr atoms regulates the electronic structure of Cu/Pr-TiO2, thus promoting the separation of photogenerated carriers and their directional migration to Cu single atoms for the photocatalytic reaction. Furthermore, the d-band center of Cu/Pr-TiO2, which is located at -4.70 eV, optimizes the adsorption and desorption behavior of H*. Compared to TiO2, Pr-TiO2, and Cu/TiO2, Cu/Pr-TiO2 displays the best H* adsorption Gibbs free energy (-0.047 eV). Furthermore, experimental results confirmed that the photogenerated carrier lifetime of Cu/Pr-TiO2 is not only the longest (2.45 ns), but its hydrogen production rate (34.90 mmol g-1 h-1) also significantly surpasses those of Cu/TiO2 (13.39 mmol g-1 h-1) and Pr-TiO2 (0.89 mmol g-1 h-1). These findings open up a novel atomic perspective for the development of optimal hydrogen activity in dual-atom-modified TiO2 photocatalysts.

Advanced photocatalysis as a viable and sustainable wastewater treatment process: A comprehensive review

In our era, water pollution not only poses a serious threat to human, animal, and biotic life but also causes serious damage to infrastructure and the ecosystem. A set of physical, chemical, and biological technologies have been exploited to decontaminate and/or disinfect water pollutants, toxins, microbes, and contaminants, but none of these could be ranked as sustainable and scalable wastewater technology. The photocatalytic process can harmonize the sunlight to degrade certain toxins, chemicals, microbes, and antibiotics, present in water. For example, transition metal oxides (ZnO, SnO2, TiO2, etc.), when integrated into an organic framework of graphene or nitrides, can bring about more than 90% removal of dyes, microbial load, pesticides, and antibiotics. Similarly, a modified network of graphitic carbon nitride can completely decontaminate petrochemicals. The present review will primarily highlight the mechanistic aspects for the removal and/or degradation of highly concerned contaminants, factors affecting photocatalysis, engineering designs of photoreactors, and pros and cons of various wastewater treatment technologies already in practice. The photocatalytic reactor can be a more viable and sustainable wastewater treatment opportunity. We hope the researcher will find a handful of information regarding the advanced oxidation process accomplished via photocatalysis and the benefits associated with the photocatalytic-type degradation of water pollutants and contaminants.

Synergistic Effect of Y Doping and Reduction of TiO2 on the Improvement of Photocatalytic Performance

Pure TiO2 and 3% Y-doped TiO2 (3% Y-TiO2) were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. Reduced TiO2 (TiO2-H2) and 3% Y-TiO2 (3% Y-TiO2-H2) were obtained through the thermal conversion treatment of Ar-H2 atmosphere at 500 °C for 3 h. By systematically comparing the crystalline phase, structure, morphological features, and photocatalytic properties of 3% Y-TiO2-H2 with pure TiO2, 3% Y-TiO2, and TiO2-H2, the synergistic effect of Y doping and reduction of TiO2 was obtained. All samples show the single anatase phase, and no diffraction peak shift is observed. Compared with single-doped TiO2 and single-reduced TiO2, 3% Y-TiO2-H2 exhibits the best photocatalytic performance for the degradation of RhB, which can be totally degraded in 20 min. The improvement of photocatalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic effect of Y doping and reduction treatment. Y doping broadened the range of light absorption and reduced the charge recombination rates, and the reduction treatment caused TiO2 to be enveloped by disordered shells. The remarkable feature of reduced TiO2 by H2 is its disordered shell filled with a limited amount of oxygen vacancies (OVs) or Ti3+, which significantly reduces the Eg of TiO2 and remarkably increases the absorption of visible light. The synergistic effect of Y doping, Ti3+ species, and OVs play an important role in the improvement of photocatalytic performances. The discovery of this work provides a new perspective for the improvement of other photocatalysts by combining doping and reduction to modify traditional photocatalytic materials and further improve their performance.

Cerium-, Europium- and Erbium-Modified ZnO and ZrO2 for Photocatalytic Water Treatment Applications: A Review

In the last decades photocatalysis has become one of the most employed technologies for the implementation of the so-called Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for the removal of harmful pollutants from wastewaters. The materials identified as the best photocatalysts are transition metal oxides, in which the band structure allows charge carrier separation upon solar irradiation. The photoinduced charge carrier can thus cause oxidative and reductive redox reactions at the surface, inducing the formation of the radical species able to initiate the AOPs. Despite the great advantages of this process (non-toxic, cheap and environmentally clean), the main drawback lies in the fact that the most efficient semiconductors are only able to absorb UV irradiation, which accounts for only 5% of the total solar irradiation at the Earth’s surface and not enough to generate the required amount of electron-hole pairs. On the other hand, many efforts have been devoted to the sensitization of wide band gap transition metal oxides to visible light, which represents a higher percentage (almost 45%) in the solar electromagnetic spectrum. Among all the strategies to sensitize transition metal oxides to visible irradiation, doping with lanthanides has been less explored. In this regard, lanthanides offer a unique electronic configuration, consisting in 4f orbitals shielded by a 5s5p external shell. This occurrence, coupled with the different occupation of the localized 4f orbitals would provide an astounding opportunity to tune these materials’ properties. In this review we will focus in depth on the modification of two promising photocatalytic transition metal oxides, namely ZnO and ZrO2, with cerium, europium and erbium atoms. The aim of the work is to provide a comprehensive overview of the influence of lanthanides on the structural, optical and electronic properties of the modified materials, emphasizing the effect of the different 4f orbital occupation in the three considered doping atoms. Moreover, a large portion of the discussion will be devoted to the structural-properties relationships evidencing the improved light absorption working mechanism of each system and the resulting enhanced photocatalytic performance in the abatement of contaminants in aqueous environments.

The Influence of Nd and Sm on the Structure and Properties of Sol-Gel-Derived TiO2 Powders

TiO₂ nanopowders modified by Nd and Sm were prepared using the sol-gel technique. It was found by XRD analysis that the samples containing Sm are amorphous up to 300 °C, while those with Nd preserve a mixed organic-inorganic amorphous structure at higher temperatures (400 °C). The TiO₂ (rutile) was not detected up to 700 °C in the presence of both modified oxides. TiO₂ (anatase) crystals found at about 400 °C in the Sm-modified sample exhibited an average crystallite size of about 25-30 nm, while doping with Nd resulted in particles of a lower size-5-10 nm. It was established by DTA that organic decomposition is accompanied by significant weight loss occurring in the temperature range 240-350 °C. Photocatalytic tests showed that the samples heated at 500 °C possess photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation toward Malachite green organic dye. Selected compositions exhibited good antimicrobial activity against E. coli K12 and B. subtilis.

Role of Rare Earth Elements and Entropy on the Anatase-To-Rutile Phase Transformation of TiO2 Thin Films Deposited by Ion Beam Sputtering

The role played by oxygen vacancies and rare earth (RE) elements in the anatase-to-rutile (A-R) phase transformation of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is still a matter of controversy. Here, we report the A-R transformation of TiO₂ thin solid films as obtained by ion beam sputtering a RE-decorated titanium target in an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The samples correspond to undoped, single-doped (Sm, Tm, and Tb), and codoped (Sm:Tb, Sm:Tm, and Sm:Tb:Tm) TiO₂ films. In the as-prepared form, the films are amorphous and contain ∼0.5 at. % of each RE. The structural modifications of the TiO₂ films due to the RE elements and the annealing treatments in an oxygen atmosphere are described according to the experimental results provided by Raman scattering, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical measurements. The A-R transformation depends on both the annealing temperature and the characteristics of the undoped, single-doped, and codoped TiO₂ films. As reported in the literature, the A-R transformation can be inhibited or enhanced by the presence of impurities and is mostly related to energetic contributions. The experimental results were analyzed, considering the essential and stabilizing role of the entropy of mixing in the A-R transformation due to the introduction of more and multiple quantum states originated in vacancies and impurities in the anatase phase.

Facile synthesis of N/B-double-doped Mn2O3 and WO3 nanoparticles for dye degradation under visible light

In the present work, nitrogen-doped and nitrogen-boron-double-doped manganese oxide (Mn₂O₃) and tungsten oxide (WO₃) nanoparticles were synthesized using precipitation-hydrothermal method for methylene blue degradation under visible light. Materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Scanning electron microscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. Results showed that N and B were successfully incorporated into the crystal lattices of Mn₂O₃ and WO₃. XRD showed that WO₃ was crystallized in the form of a monoclinic lattice, while cubic Mn₂O₃ was produced in the cubic form. The crystallite size was found to be decreased due to the substitution of N and B elements which reveals their roles to accelerate the crystal nucleation rate resulting in the decreased size. On the other hand, single and double doping has successfully narrowed the band gaps of the as-synthesised metal oxide photocatalysts resulting in better absorption in the visible light. Band gaps obtained were as follows: 3.02, 2.50, 1.73 and 1.77 eV for N-WO₃ N/B-WO₃, N-Mn₂O₃ and N/B-Mn₂O₃ respectively. Photocatalytic experiments showed that all as-synthesised materials exhibited a photocatalytic efficiency under visible light ≥420 nm. The degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB) was in the following order: N-B-co-doped metal oxides > N-doped metal oxides > metal oxides. The presence of scavenger molecules such as isopropanol, EDTA-2Na and benzoquinone inhibited MB degradation. Finally, the results showed that these materials can be reused several times without a notable decrease in efficiency.

Structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of erbium (Er3+) and yttrium (Y3+) doped TiO2 thin films with remarkable self-cleaning super-hydrophilic properties

The self-cleaning and super hydrophilic properties of pristine TiO2 and of TiO2 doped with Er3+ or Y3+ transparent thin films deposited onto glass substrates were investigated. The thin films prepared by multiple dipping and drying cycles of the glass substrate into the pristine TiO2 sol and Er3+ or Y3+-doped TiO2 sol were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectrophotometry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The self-cleaning photocatalytic activity of the thin films towards the removal of oleic acid deposited on the surface under UVA irradiation was evaluated. A remarkable enhancement was observed in the hydrophilic nature of the TiO2 thin films under irradiation. The optical properties and wettability of TiO2 were not affected by Er3+ or Y3+ doping. However, the photocatalytic degradation of oleic acid under UVA irradiation improved up to 1.83 or 1.95 fold as the Er3+ or Y3+ content increased, respectively, due to the enhanced separation of the photogenerated carriers and reduced crystallite size. AFM analysis showed that the surface roughness increased by increasing the Er3+ or Y3+ content due to the formation of large aggregates. This in turn contributes to the increase of the active surface area enhancing the photodegradation process. This study demonstrates that TiO2 doped with low amounts of Er3+ or Y3+ down to 0.5 mol% can produce transparent, super-hydrophilic, thin film surfaces with remarkable self-cleaning properties.

Band gap engineering of Ce-doped anatase TiO2 through solid solubility mechanisms and new defect equilibria formalism

The present work reports a detailed mechanistic interpretation of the role of the solubility of dopants and resultant midgap defect energies in band gap engineering. While there is a general perception that a single dopant is associated with single solubility and defect mechanisms, in reality, the potential for multiple solubility and defect mechanisms requires a more nuanced interpretation. Similarly, Kröger-Vink defect equilibria assume that stoichiometries during substitutional and interstitial solid solubility as well as Schottky and Frenkel pair formation are compensated by the diffusion of matrix ions to the grain boundaries or surface. However, this approach does not allow the possibility that stoichiometry is uncompensated, where diffusion of the matrix ion to lattice interstices occurs, followed by charge compensation by redox of this ion. Consequently, a modified defect equilibria formalism has been developed in order to allow description of this situation. Experimental data for the structural, chemical, semiconducting, and photocatalytic properties as a function of doping level are correlated with conceptual structural models, a comprehensive energy band diagram, and the corresponding defect equilibria. These correlations reveal the complex mechanisms of the interrelated solubility and defect formation mechanisms, which change significantly and irregularly as a function of small changes in doping level. The analyses confirm that the assumption of single mechanisms of solid solubility and defect formation may be simplifications of more complex processes. The generation of (1) a matrix of complementary characterisation and analytical data, (2) the calculation of a complete energy band diagram, (3) consideration of charge compensation mechanisms and redox beyond the limitations of Kröger-Vink approaches, and (4) the development of models of corresponding structural analogies combine to create a new approach to interpret and explain experimental data. These strategies allow deconstruction of these complex issues and thus targeting of optimal and possibly unique doping levels to achieve lattice configurations that may be energetically and structurally unfavorable. These approaches then can be applied to other doped semiconducting systems.

One-pot synthesis of Fe2O3/Y2O3@TNS for enhanced photocatalytic and adsorption properties

TiO₂-based nanosheets (TNS) modified with Fe₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ particles (Fe₂O₃/Y₂O₃@TNS), possessing a laminar structure with large specific surface area of 382 m² g⁻¹, were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method.

Challenges and implication of full solar spectrum-driven photocatalyst

Conventional metal oxide and its composites embrace the long-standing problem of using the combined visible and near-infrared (NIR) light. Doping with suitable impurities of metal, nonmetal, or its combinations for visible light enhancement is very well studied. However, the quantum efficiency of these photocatalysts does not produce an exciting appearance toward visible and NIR light when irradiated through either artificial or natural light. Furthermore, owing to the limited availability of solar light, challenges arise from the implication of these developed nano-photocatalysts. Therefore, the hybridized concept was developed for the effective use of either full or partial solar spectrum, even functioning in dark conditions. The present review focuses on the challenges of hybridized photocatalysts in storing and discharging the harvested photons obtained from the solar spectrum. The review vividly emphasizes the evolution of light-driven nanomaterials since its innovation and significant breakthroughs in brief, while a detailed presentation of the implications of hybrid photocatalysts for full solar applications, including the mechanistic features, charging-discharging characteristics, work function, charge carrier mobility, and interactions, follows. The article also delivers the substantial contribution of these materials in regard to energy and environmental application.

Photocatalytic improvement of Y3+ modified TiO2 prepared by a ball milling method and application in shrimp wastewater treatment

Semiconductor photocatalysis is an advanced oxidation process driven by solar energy which has widespread applications in the treatment of organic pollutants in liquid and gas phases. In this work, titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with yttrium ions (Y3+) were prepared by a ball milling method. The effects of Y3+ mole fraction, ball-to-powder weight ratio, milling time and milling rate on the photocatalytic activities were evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light. Then Y3+/TiO2 photocatalysts prepared at the optimized ball milling conditions were applied to treat shrimp wastewater under UV and visible light. Chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), 3D fluorescence spectroscopy and total organic carbon (TOC) were used to detect the water samples taken from the photocatalytic experiments. Experimental results showed that when the mole fraction was 2%, the ball-to-powder weight ratio was 4 : 1, milling time was 4 h and milling rate was 500 rpm, the reaction rate constant of MB degradation can reach up to 0.1112 min-1 which was 4.2 times as fast as pure TiO2. All Y3+/TiO2 samples showed a red shift of absorption compared to pure TiO2 and it led to a visible light absorption response. The content of surface oxygen vacancies has significantly increased and the BET specific area increased to 104 m2 g-1. The CODCr removal rates of shrimp wastewater were 43.8% and 37.5% for 2% Y3+/TiO2 under UV and visible light, respectively. Besides, the TOC removal rates were 67.5% and 38.8%, respectively. Humic-like substances and fulvic-like substances in shrimp wastewater can be mineralized after 90 minutes irradiation.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Rare-Earth Modified Titania: Influence on Phase Composition, Optical Properties, and Photocatalytic Activity

In order to expand the use of titania indoor as well as to increase its overall performance, narrowing the band gap is one of the possibilities to achieve this. Modifying with rare earths (REs) has been relatively unexplored, especially the modification of rutile with rare earth cations. The aim of this study was to find the influence of the modification of TiO₂ with rare earths on its structural, optical, morphological, and photocatalytic properties. Titania was synthesized using TiOSO₄ as the source of titanium via hydrothermal synthesis procedure at low temperature (200 °C) and modified with selected rare earth elements, namely, Ce, La, and Gd. Structural properties of samples were determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and the phase ratio was calculated using the Rietveld method. Optical properties were analyzed by ultraviolet and visible light (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was used to determine the morphological properties of samples and to estimate the size of primary crystals. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the chemical bonding properties of samples. Photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalysts as well as the titania available on the market (P25) was measured in three different setups, assessing volatile organic compound (VOC) degradation, NO_x abatement, and water purification. It was found out that modification with rare earth elements slows down the transformation of anatase and brookite to rutile. Whereas the unmodified sample was composed of only rutile, La- and Gd-modified samples contained anatase and rutile, and Ce-modified samples consisted of anatase, brookite, and rutile. Modification with rare earth metals has turned out to be detrimental to photocatalytic activity. In all cases, pure TiO₂ outperformed the modified samples. Cerium-modified TiO₂ was the least active sample, despite having a light absorption tail up to 585 nm wavelength. La- and Gd-modified samples did not show a significant shift in light absorption when compared to the pure TiO₂ sample. The reason for the lower activity of modified samples was attributed to a greater Ti³⁺/Ti⁴⁺ ratio and a large amount of hydroxyl oxygen found in pure TiO₂. All the modified samples had a smaller Ti³⁺/Ti⁴⁺ ratio and less hydroxyl oxygen.

FeOCl/Ln (Ln = La or Y): efficient photo-Fenton catalysts for ibuprofen degradation

Doping of rare earth elements (La and Y) in FeOCl boosted the Fenton catalytic activity under sunlight.

NIR light-activated upconversion semiconductor photocatalysts

Harvesting of near infrared (NIR) light in the abundant and environmentally friendly solar spectrum is particularly significant to enhance the utilization rate of the cleanest energy on earth. Appreciating the unique nonlinear optical properties of upconversion materials for converting low-energy incident light into high-energy radiation, they become the most promising candidates for fabricating NIR light-active photocatalytic systems by integrating with semiconductors. The present review summarizes recent NIR light-active photocatalytic systems based on a sequence of NaYF₄-based, fluoride-based, oxide-based and Ln³⁺ ion-doped semiconductor-based photocatalysts for degradation of organic molecules. In addition, we provide an in-depth analysis of various photocatalytic mechanisms and enhancement effects for efficient photo-redox performance of different upconversion semiconductor photocatalysts. We envision that this review can inspire multidisciplinary research interest in rational design and fabrication of efficient full-spectrum active (UV-visible-NIR) photocatalytic systems and their wider applications in solar energy conversion.

A review on heterogeneous sonocatalyst for treatment of organic pollutants in aqueous phase based on catalytic mechanism

Heterogeneous sonocatalysis, as an emerging advanced oxidation process (AOP), has shown immense potential in water treatment and been widely demonstrated to remove persistent organic compounds in the past decade. The present article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the development of a heterogeneous catalyst for enhancing the ultrasonic degradation rate of organic pollutants from a viewpoint of sonocatalytic mechanism. The rational design and fundamentals for preparing sonocatalysts are presented in the context of facilitating the heterogeneous nucleation and photo-thermal-catalytic effects as well as considering the mechanical stability and separation capacity of the heterogeneous catalyst. In addition, some new trends, ongoing challenges and possible methods to overcome these challenges are also highlighted and proposed.

Improved photo-induced charge carriers separation through the addition of erbium on TiO2 nanoparticles and its effect on photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

Er_xTi_1-xO₂ nanocomposites was prepared by a simple sol-gel method with various proportion of erbium viz., x=0.02, x=0.04, x=0.06, x=0.08 and x=0.10. The prepared nanocomposites were studied using XRD, UV-Vis DRS, Raman spectra, HR-SEM, EDS, TEM, PL and impedance spectroscopy. XRD revealed that modified TiO₂ nanocomposites possessed only the anatase phase with crystallite sizes of about 8.1 to 12.7nm and which is well consistent with TEM analysis. It is seen that erbium ion exist in the nanocomposites based on the analysis of EDS. HR-SEM analysis revealed that the Er_xTi_1-xO₂ nanocomposites are spherical in shape with size between 10 and 20nm. The amount of erbium remarkably affects the structural, optical and electrical properties. Loading erbium could produce 4f energy levels between valence and conduction bands thus narrowing optical band gap and generates visible absorption peaks. It was found that erbium modified TiO₂ nanocomposites induced a shift in Raman. The enhancement of life time of charge carriers was observed on erbium inclusion.

Lanthanide–titanium-oxalate clusters and their degradation products, photocurrent response and photocatalytic behaviours

Three Ln–TiO–C₂O₄ polymers were obtained spontaneously from their titanium oxo-clusters and the advantages of doped TiO materials were discussed based on the experiments of photocurrent conversion and photocatalytic dye degradation.

A porphyrin cobalt(ii) complex linked to a TiO2/BiVO4 nanocomposite: alcohol oxidation using nanohybrid materials as a photocatalyst via a mechanism approach

A novel visible light-sensitized nanohybrid, Co–TCPP@TiO₂/BiVO₄, was used as a highly efficient, stable, reusable, and robust photocatalyst using O₂ towards aldehyde production.

Multifunctional Gadolinium-Doped Mesoporous TiO2 Nanobeads: Photoluminescence, Enhanced Spin Relaxation, and Reactive Oxygen Species Photogeneration, Beneficial for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Materials with controllable multifunctional abilities for optical imaging (OI) and magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) that also can be used in photodynamic therapy are very interesting for future applications. Mesoporous TiO₂ sub-micrometer particles are doped with gadolinium to improve photoluminescence functionality and spin relaxation for MRI, with the added benefit of enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Gd-doped TiO₂ exhibits red emission at 637 nm that is beneficial for OI and significantly improves MRI relaxation times, with a beneficial decrease in spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times. Density functional theory calculations show that Gd³⁺ ions introduce impurity energy levels inside the bandgap of anatase TiO₂ , and also create dipoles that are beneficial for charge separation and decreased electron-hole recombination in the doped lattice. The Gd-doped TiO₂ nanobeads (NBs) show enhanced ability for ROS monitored via ^• OH radical photogeneration, in comparison with undoped TiO₂ nanobeads and TiO₂ P25, for Gd-doping up to 10%. Cellular internalization and biocompatibility of TiO₂ @xGd NBs are tested in vitro on MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells, showing full biocompatibility. After photoactivation of the particles, anticancer trace by means of ROS photogeneration is observed just after 3 min irradiation.

Role of lanthanum species in improving the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide

Lanthanum modification resulted in the additional formation of Ti³⁺ states, which enhanced the charge transfer and separation. Consequently, the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ under UV light irradiation was significantly improved.

Regeneration of an efficient, solar active hierarchical ZnO flower photocatalyst for repeatable usage: controlled desorption of poisoned species from active catalytic sites

Regeneration of hierarchical ZnO flower photocatalyst after repeatable usage by desorption of poisoned species from surface active site.

Pd nanocube decoration onto flexible nanofibrous mats of core–shell polymer–ZnO nanofibers for visible light photocatalysis

Plasmonic enhancement for electron–hole separation efficiency and visible light photocatalysis was achieved by Pd nanocube decoration on a ZnO nanolayer coated onto electrospun polymeric (polyacrylonitrile (PAN)) nanofibers.

Preparation of Cu(ii) porphyrin–TiO2 composite in one-pot method and research on photocatalytic property

A promising strategy for porphyrin–TiO₂ photocatalyst preparation by using sol–gel process and solvothermal condition showed prospective utilization in the field of dye pollutant photodegradation.