Ti3+-self doped brookite TiO2 single-crystalline nanosheets with high solar absorption and excellent photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Black brookite TiO2 single-crystalline nanosheets with outstanding photocatalytic activity toward CO2 reduction is prepared by a facile oxidation-based hydrothermal reaction method combined with post-annealing treatment. Large amount of Ti(3+) defects are introduced into the bulk of brookite nanoparticles, which increases the solar energy absorption and enhances the photocatalytic activity.