Synthesis, crystal structure, and photocatalytic activity of the new three-layer aurivillius phases, Bi2ASrTi2TaO12 (A = Bi, La)

Two new three-layer Aurivilliuis phases Bi(2)ASrTi(2)TaO(12) (A=Bi, La) have been synthesized. The detailed structure determination of Bi(2)ASrTi(2)TaO(12) (A=Bi. La) performed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron microscopy (SAED) shows that they all crystallize in the space group l/4mmm. UV-visible diffuse reflection spectrum of the prepared Bi(2)ASrTi(2)TaO(12) (A=Bi, La) indicates that it had absorption in the ultraviolet (UV) region. The photocatalytic activity of the Bi(2)ASrTi(2)TaO(12) (A=Bi, La) powders was evaluated by degradation of rhodamine B (RB) molecules in water under UV light irradiation. The results showed that Bi(2)ASrTi(2)TaO(12) (A=Bi, La) has high photocatalytic activity at room temperature. Therefore, the preparation and properties studies of Bi(2)ASrTi(2)TaO(12) (A=Bi, La) with a three-layer Aurivillius structure suggest potential future applications in photocatalysis. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.