Abstract
The synthesis of free-standing two-dimensional titania (2-D TiO2) with a reduced band gap presents complex challenges to synthetic chemists. Here, we report a free-standing 2-D TiO2sheet synthesized via a one-step solvothermal methodology, with a measured optical onset at ∼1.84 eV. Using first-principles calculations in combination with experiment, we propose that the as-formed 2-D TiO2sheets are layers of the lepidocrocite TiO2structure, but with large nonuniform strains consistent with its crumpled morphology. These strains cause a significant change in the quasiparticle band structure and optical absorption spectra, resulting in large absorption in the visible-light region. This narrow band gap 2-D TiO2can catalyze the formation of singlet oxygen and the degradation of dye pollutants with low-energy photons of solar light. Our work demonstrates that lattice strains intrinsic to 2-D materials, especially its crumpled, free-standing forms, can result in new and useful properties.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 15414-15419 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of the American Chemical Society |
Volume | 139 |
Issue number | 43 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2017 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Catalysis
- General Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Colloid and Surface Chemistry