Photocatalytic and Conductivity Studies of Bi³⁺Substituted La₂Zr₂O₇

ABSTRACT

Trivalent bismuth substituted La₂Zr₂O₇ pyrochlores of compositions La_2-xBi_xZr₂O₇ (x = 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) have been prepared by sol-gel method. All the samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and SEM-EDS. These materials were found to crystallize in cubic lattice with space group . The unit cell parameters were deduced from the Rietveld refinement. The dc conductivity of all samples was measured in the temperature range 200–700°C. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were studied against methylene blue decomposition under sunlight. La_2-xBi_xZr₂O₇ compounds showed enhanced photoactivity compared to La₂Zr₂O₇.

KEYWORDS:

• pyrochlore
• sol-gel preparation
• X-ray techniques
• dc conductivity
• photoactivity

Acknowledgments

Authors thank the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, India for financial assistance.