Synthesis and Characterization of ATiO_3(A = Ca, Sr and Ba) Perovskites and Their Photocatalytic Activity Under Solar Irradiation

摘要

ATiO_3 (A = Ca, Sr and Ba) catalysts were synthesized by ceramic route and characterized using X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron micrograph and BET surface area measurement techniques. CaTiO_3 showed orthorhombic whereas, SrTiO_3 and BaTiO_3 showed cubic crystal structure respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the as synthesized materials was evaluated by following the degradation of the aqueous methylene blue solutions under solar irradiation. Calcium titanate showed a highest photocatalytic activity as compared to other titanates. The photocatalytic activity was found to be dependent on a combination of different properties of the sample, such as the crystal structure, the particle size and band gap.