Synergistic role of B and F dopants in promoting the photocatalytic activity of rutile TiO2

Doping for the environment: Electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations prove-for the first time-that the proximity of surface F and surface/second layer B generates hole-trapping species responsible for a remarkable photocatalytic activity of rutile TiO 2, even for low-surface-area materials. A careful synthetic design of doped TiO 2 containing a high concentration of these species may lead to significantly enhanced performances in pollutant degradation.