Low-frequency ultrasound induces oxygen vacancies formation and visible light absorption in TiO2 P-25 nanoparticles

Low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) irradiation induces morphological, optical and surface changes in the commercial nano-TiO2-based photocatalyst, Evonik-Degussa P-25. Low-temperature electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements performed on this material provided the first experimental evidence for the formation of oxygen vacancies (V-o), which were also found responsible for the visible-light absorption. The V-o surface defects might result from high-speed inter-particle collisions and shock waves generated by LFUS sonication impacting the TiO2 particles. This is in contrast to a number of well-established technologies, where the formation of oxygen vacancies on the TiO2 surface often requires harsh technological conditions and complicated procedures, such as annealing at high temperatures, radio-frequency-induced plasma or ion sputtering.