Selected perovskite oxides: Characterization, preparation and photocatalytic properties-A review

Perovskite-type oxides are a class of compounds with the general formula ABO(3). They are a very important family of materials and exhibit properties suitable for numerous applications. In this review, the preparation, characterization, and application of selected perovskite oxides such as SrTiO3, KTaO3, NaTaO3, KNbO3, and NaNbO3 in photocatalysis are described. In addition, various strategies for enhancing their photocatalytic activities are discussed, including doping with metals and nonmetals (Cr, Ni, Mn, Pb, Bi, N, Br, S, C, and F), modification with noble metal (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Ph, Ru) nanoparticles, and doping with rare earth elements (La). Moreover, the review summarizes the influence of different morphologies and surface properties on the photoactivity of the materials. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.