Calcium, Strontium And Barium Titanates As Photacatalysts

Abstract

Abstract The titanates were synthesized by the sol-gel method using stearic acid as solvent and reagent. The photocatalytic activity of these materials were measured by discoloration of crystal violet in aqueous solution, irradiating with 254 nm ultraviolet light. TiO2 anatase, frequently used as a photocatalyst, was used to compare its photocatalytic activity with respect to the titanates used here. Activity was measured through dye degradation rate constants. It was expected that strontium and barium titanates, which have reduction potentials in the conduction band more positive than that of TiO2, would be more efficient as photocatalysts, but the experimental evidence does not confirm it.