Preparation and property characterization of new Y 2FeSbO 7 and In 2FeSbO 7 photocatalysts

Abstract

Y 2FeSbO 7 and In 2FeSbO 7 are synthesized for the first time and their structural and photocatalytic properties are reported. The lattice parameters for Y 2FeSbO 7 and In 2FeSbO 7 are 10.228(1) and 10.093(3) Å. The band gaps of Y 2FeSbO 7 and In 2FeSbO 7 are 2.129 and 1.847 eV. For the photocatalytic degradation of the rhodamine B under visible light irradiation, Y 2FeSbO 7 and In 2FeSbO 7 show higher catalytic activity compared with P25 TiO 2 or Bi 2InTaO 7, while In 2FeSbO 7 shows higher catalytic activity compared with Y 2FeSbO 7. The photocatalytic degradation of the rhodamine B follows the first-order reaction kinetics, and the apparent first-order rate constants are 0.022(1), 0.014(2), 0.006(2) and 0.003(1) min −1 with In 2FeSbO 7, Y 2FeSbO 7, P25 TiO 2 and Bi 2InTaO 7. Complete removal of the rhodamine B is observed after visible light irradiation for 220 or 245 min with In 2FeSbO 7 or Y 2FeSbO 7. The evolution of CO 2 is realized and these results indicate the continuous mineralization of rhodamine B during the photocatalytic process. The possible photocatalytic degradation pathway of the rhodamine B is provided.