Nd2Zr2O7:Ag NANOCRYSTALS: SYNTHESIS AND INVESTIGATION OF PHOTOCATALYTIC BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Nd2Zr2O7:Ag pyrochlore were successfully prepared by a hydrothermal-calcination process. The composition, phase structures and optical properties of the Nd2Zr2O7:Ag catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, specific surface area analysis, and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The visible-light photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was investigated by the degradation of moderacid red RS aqueous solution. Compared to Nd2Zr2O7, the Nd2Zr2O7:Ag photocatalysts showed better photocatalytic activities, which should be attributed to the high specific surface area of the catalysts and the formation of a heterostructure
between Ag and Nd2Zr2O7.