Characterization and photocatalytic activity of Bi3TiNbO9 nanocrystallines synthesized by sol–gel process

Abstract Nanocrystalline Bi 3 TiNbO 9 powders were synthesized by a sol–gel process, based on a colloid solution of bismuth acetate, titanium butoxide and niobium ethoxide. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that pure Aurivillius phase of Bi 3 TiNbO 9 could be prepared at a calcination temperature of 500 °C. By using scanning electron microscopy and gas adsorption method, the morphology and the specific surface area of the powders were examined. The photophysical properties of Bi 3 TiNbO 9 were investigated by means of the UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum, from which a band gap ∼3.2 eV was empirically calculated. The as-prepared Bi 3 TiNbO 9 powders were applied in the photodegradation of organic contaminant for the first time, and they showed effective photocatalytic activity for the complete decomposition of methyl orange under UV light irradiation.