Photocatalytic decolorization of methylene blue over monoclinic pyrochlore-type Pb2Nb2O7 under visible light irradiation

The Pb2Nb2O7 photocatalysts were prepared by a solid-state reaction method. The UV–vis absorption spectrum indicated that the absorption edge of Pb2Nb2O7 was at about 450 nm. The photocatalytic activity of Pb2Nb2O7 for degrading methylene blue under visible light irradiation was evaluated. It was found that the prepared Pb2Nb2O7 photocatalyst calcined at 1073 K had the highest photocatalytic activity at pH 11.52 under visible light irradiation. In addition, the effects of pH value on photocatalytic activity were also presented.