A new approach to the preparation of microcrystalline ZnNb2O6 photocatalysts via a water-soluble niobium-citrate-peroxo compound

A water-soluble niobium-citrate-peroxo compound was synthesized by using Nb2O5 as a precursor. This niobium compound solution was successfully applied to the preparation of microcrystalline ZnNb2O6 photocatalysts via a water-based sol-gel method. The results indicated that pure ZnNb2O6 could be obtained in a temperature range from 750 to 950 °C. The absorption edge of ZnNb2O6 located at about 305 nm, corresponding to a band gap of ca. 4.06 eV. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples for the methyl orange degradation were evaluated under UV light (λ = 254 nm). It was found that the sample obtained at 850 °C showed the highest photocatalytic activity due to its suitable surface area and crystallinity.

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► A water-soluble niobium peroxo compound was synthesized with Nb2O5 as a precursor.
► The niobium compound was applied to the preparation of ZnNb2O6 photocatalysts.
► The samples showed excellent performances in the degradation of methyl orange.
► The catalytic activity of ZnNb2O6 is dominated by the surface area and crystallinity.