Enhanced photocatalytic performance of NaNbO₃ nanorods by loading Al₂O₃ nanoparticles

Abstract

Herein, we report the fabrication of UV-active NaNbO3/Al2O3 (30 wt.%) ferroelectric heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced photoelectrochemical activity to Methylene Blue (MB). Pure NaNbO3 nanorods (NRs) were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process and NaNbO3/Al2O3 composite was prepared by an ultrasonic vibration method. The heterostructures showed a remarkable increase in photocurrent density and the MB degradation ratio reached 88% in the initial 15 min and eventually reached 98.6% in 75 min. The high photocatalytic efficiency is attributed to the ferroelectric polarization of NaNbO3 with the forming of heterojunction electric fields assisted by Al2O3. These properties demonstrate that NaNbO3/Al2O3 ferroelectric heterojunction photocatalyst shows promising photoactivity and provides an effective method to improve the photocatalytic properties of other ferroelectrics.

Advances in Z‐scheme semiconductor photocatalysts for the photoelectrochemical applications: A review

“…Furthermore, it is possible to combine properties, such as ferroelectricity or piezoelectricity, with the photocatalytic effect to improve photocatalytic activity. The perovskite photocatalysts can be classified into the following categories: titanates, SrTiO 3 112–118 and BaTiO 3 119–123 ; tantalates, LiTaO 3 , 124 NaTaO 3 125–132 and KTaO 3 133–137 ; niobates, LiNbO 3 , 138,139 NaNbO 3 140–147 and KNbO 3 148–153 ; vanadates, AgVO 3 154–162 ; and ferrites, LaFeO 3 , 164–169 BiFeO 3 170–176 and GaFeO 3 177 . These compounds show great potential for application in visible light‐driven photoreactions.…”