Black TiO2 has excellent light absorption properties, can expand the absorption range of solar spectrum to near infrared region, and has high light absorption rate, which endows it with good photocatalytic activity and makes it one of the most promising photocatalysts for development. Although a lot of research has been carried out on the application of black TiO2 in the field of photocatalysis,its performance is still far from the actual production requirements, and some key photocatalytic mechanisms are still unclear. This article reviews the research progress of black TiO2 in the field of photocatalysis
from the definition, structural morphology, defect types and generation mechanisms, synthesis methods, and the impact of defects on the photocatalytic performance of black TiO2. With the goal of achieving further breakthroughs in black TiO2 photocatalysis technology, suggestions were provided for a deep understanding of the formation of black TiO2 defects and their related mechanisms on photocatalytic activity, as well as effective improvement of visible light quantum efficiency.