Enhanced photocatalytic activity of La-doped AgNbO3 under visible light irradiation

Using a solid-state-reaction method, La-doped AgNbO3 samples of Ag1-xLaxNbO3 were synthesized and their photocatalytic activities were evaluated from gaseous 2-propanol decomposition under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity and the surface area were increased by La doping, but the crystal structure and light absorption property did not change. The photocatalytic activity of Ag1-xLaxNbO3 was significantly improved over that of AgNbO3. The Ag0.88La0.12NbO3 sample displayed the highest photocatalytic activity: it was more than 12-fold higher than that of AgNbO3.