Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of Na2HfM(PO4)3 and Ag2-xNaxHfM(PO4)3 (M = Fe and Al and 0.07 ≤ x ≤ 0.13)

Materials belonging to NASICON family of compositions Na2HfM(PO4)(3) and Ag2-xNaxHfM(PO4)(3) (M = Fe and Al and 0.07 <= x <= 0.13) are prepared by sol-gel and ion exchange methods, respectively. The IR spectra are characterized by bands belonging to PO4 groups. The band gap energy of all compositions is obtained from their UV-vis DRS profiles. All these materials are used as catalysts in the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The silver compounds have shown good catalytic activity compared to their sodium analogues. The catalysts are stable even after the third cycle of photodegradation.