Preparation and photocatalytic properties of Bi2Zr2O7 photocatalyst

Bismuth zirconate complex oxides (Bi2Zr2O7) with various novel morphologies were successfully prepared via a facile sedimentation-calcination method. The structure, morphology, composition and light absorption properties were characterized with X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activity of Bi2Zr2O7 photocatalyst was tested in the reduction of methyl orange under solar light irradiation. The results showed that the prepared sample exhibited irregular morphology with features ranging from 20 to 50 nm in size, had a direct band gap of 2.59 eV and displayed effective photocatalytic activity under simulated solar irradiation. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.