Study on the energy band structure and photoelectrochemical performances of spinel Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12}

Highlights: • Spinel Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} possesses more positive potential of valence band and wider band gap than TiO{sub 2}. • Spinel Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} displays typical n-type semiconductor characteristic and excellent UV-excitateded photocatalysis activity. • Our preliminary study will open new perspectives in investigation of other lithium-based compounds for new photocatalysts. - Abstract: Energy band structure, photoelectrochemical performances and photocatalysis activity of spinel Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} are investigated for the first time in this paper. Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} possesses more positive valence band potential and wider band gap than TiO{sub 2} due to its valence band consisting of Li{sub 1s} and Ti{sub 3d} orbitals mixed with O{sub 2p}. Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} shows typical photocatalysis material characteristics and excellent photocatlytic activity under UV irradiation.