Photocatalytic properties of Zr_1-xM_xO₂ (M: Nb, Mo, Ta, W) powders

Abstract

Photocatalytic activities of transition metal zirconium oxides, Zr1-xMxO2 (M: Nb, Mo, Ta, W) were investigated. These compounds are prepared by solid-state reaction of stoichiometric mixture of ZrO2 and transition metal oxides in Air.Water decomposition reaction was carried out in a closed gas cell system with a quartz window and Xe lamp (500 W) at room temperature. Photocatalytic activities of these compounds are evaluated by measuring amount of hydrogen evolution. In NiO-supported Zr0.95Ta0.05O2, hydrogen evolution by irradiation for 10 hours was twice as that of ZrO2.