Photocatalytic Activity in Nitrogen-doped TiO$_{2}$ Nanowires*

We present a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of the electronic properties and photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped anatase TiO$_{2}$ nanowires. UV-Vis spectra showed enhanced absorption in the visible light range for nitrogen doped nanowires compared to the plain sample. The nitrogen doped nanowires exhibit improved photocatalytic activity compared to the plain sample upon visible light irradiation while under exposure to UVA light the photocatalytic activity decreased after nitrogen doping. Furthermore, the incorporation of nitrogen introduces localized states in the band gap.