Abstract
In this study, the as-synthesized rutile nano-TiO2 powders were heated in hydrogen or nitrogen atmosphere at different temperatures. The surface morphology, UV-Vis absorption spectra, and element composition were studied using TEM, UV-Vis spectrometer, and XPS, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the modified TiO2 samples under visible light irradiation was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange solution. The results showed that the dispersibility of modified rutile nano-TiO2 powders was improved and its absorption edge was red shift to visible light because the presence of oxygen vacancies changed the energy band structure of rutile TiO2.