Fe S codoped TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared by a sol–gel process and low-temperature solvothermal
method. The obtained samples were characterized by XRD, UV–vis DRS, FT-IR, BET, EPR and XPS.
Compared with undoped TiO2 and S doped TiO2 photocatalysts, the Fe S codoped TiO2 photocatalysts
exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity for phenol degradation under visible light irradiation. The
optimal ratio of Fe/Ti is 1.0 at%. It was revealed that the band gap of Fe S codoped TiO2 was obviously
decreased, extending the light response of TiO2 into visible light region, and sulfate ions were absorbed
on the surface of the TiO2. The high visible light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 was assigned to the beneficial
co-effects between S and Fe. The doped Fe(III) and SO4
2− anchored on TiO2 surface are favorable
for the separation of photo-induced electrons and holes, suppressing the recombination of electrons and
holes and consequently promoting the formation of hydroxyl radical.