Preparation and performances of nanosized Ta2O5 powder photocatalyst

Nanosized-Ta2O5 powder photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by using sol-gel method via TaCl5 butanol solution as a precursor. Ta2O5 species can be formed under 500degreesC via the decomposition of the precursor. The crystalline phase of Ta2O5 powder photocatalyst can be obtained after being calcined above 600 degreesC for 4 h. The crystal size and particle size of Ta2O5 powder photocatalyst was about 50 nm. A good photocatalytic performance for the degradation of gaseous formaldehyde was obtained for the nanosized-Ta2O5 powder. The Ta2O5,05 powder formed at 700 degreesC for 4 H and at 650 degreesC for 12 H showed the best performance. The calcination temperature and time play an important role in the crystallization and photocatalytical performance of nanosized-Ta2O5 powder. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.