Recent development of surface-modified titanium dioxide for enhanced oxidation catalytic activity: A short review

Heterogeneous catalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) are eminent oxidative catalysts and photocatalysts due to their excellent optical properties in ultraviolet, their ease of separation, high accessibility, and physicochemical stability. However, its limitations, such as its inability to absorb visible light, fast recombination rates, and low surface area, can affect its efficiency in oxidation and photo-oxidation processes. Thus, the surface modification of TiO2 is necessary to improve the performance of oxidative and photocatalytic activities. Foreign ion doping on the TiO2 surface has been reported as an efficient surface modifier for improving photocatalytic performance under visible light. Furthermore, the TiO2 incorporation onto the support materials is substantial to maximize the efficiency of the TiO2 by preventing the aggregation of TiO2 and inducing the distribution of TiO2 on the surface of the support materials. This review discusses a variety of surface modifiers for TiO2, including metal, metal oxide, and non-metal dopants, as well as mesoporous silica-based and zeolitic support materials in the oxidation and photo-oxidation processes. The oxidation and photo-oxidation mechanisms, as well as the kinetic behaviors of surface-modified TiO2 catalysts are reviewed. This paper outlines the current issues and future recommendations on the surface modifiers for TiO2. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.