PVP-assisted synthesis of porous strontium tantalate hydrate nanosphere and enhanced photocatalytic properties

• Porous Sr0.25H1.5Ta2O6·H2O nanosphere were successfully prepared for the first time.
• In the synthesis, PVP played an important role in formation of porous nanosphere.
• The nanosphere exhibited a significantly improved photocatalytic activity.
• Comparison on photocatalytic activities between TiO2 and tantalate was carried out.
• Relationship between the morphologies and photocatalytic activity was investigated.

Porous Sr0.25H1.5Ta2O6·H2O (HST) nanosphere with high surface area has been prepared by a PVP-assisted hydrothermal method for the first time. In the synthesis, PVP played an important role in formation of porous nanosphere. This approach could also be used to prepare other nanostructured tantalate efficiently without rigorous reaction conditions. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by the decomposition of benzene in gaseous phase. Results showed that benzene could be effectively degraded and mineralized over the HST samples. Due to the unique porous structure, larger surface area, and stronger oxidizing ability of the photogenerated holes, HST nanosphere exhibited a superior photocatalytic activity for the degradation of benzene compared with HST nanopolydera and TiO2 (Degussa P25). The effect of the crystallinity of the samples on the photocatalytic activities was also discussed.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide