Preparation of Nitrogen-doped Anatase Titania by Treatment of Layered Titania/Isostearate Nanocomposite with Aqueous Ammonia

A layered titania/isostearate nanocomposite was prepared via the sol–gel process in a hydrophobic solvent with a salt catalyst. The isostealate modifiers hybridized with titania sheets were completely removed by treatment with aqueous ammonia. A vivid yellow powder of plate anatase was obtained by firing the treated sample at 450 °C, and it showed a strong photoabsorption in the visible light region. Rapid degradation of methylene blue was observed in an aqueous solution during irradiation with 470-nm light.