We have chosen oxidation of titanium nitride, TiN, in air atmosphere as a preparation method of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide for photocatalytic application. Powders and thin films were selected for systematic Studies. Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and dc reactive magnetron sputtering were used for elaboration of stoichiometric TiN powder and thin films, respectively. Samples microstructure was studied by means of AFM and SEM. The phase and chemical composition were investigated by means of XRD and XPS. The optical spectra were measured over the visible and UV ranges of light spectrum. SEM images of powders revealed a change in grain shape from sharp-edged TiN grains with well-defined facets to regular and oval TiO(2). XRD studies set out the temperature limit of TiN existence at 400 degrees C. XPS investigations confirmed nitrogen presence in TiO(2) lattice even at 500 degrees C. Optical analysis revealed an additional absorption over the visible range - powders, and a shift of the fundamental absorption edge towards visible range of the light spectrum - thin films. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.