Preparation and photocatalytic property of La (Fe)-doped bismuth titanate

Bismuth titanate doped with Fe and La ions was prepared by the chemical solution decomposition (CSD) method. Under similar conditions, pure phases of (Fe0.2Bi0.8)2Ti2O7 and (La0.2Bi0.8)4Ti3O12 were formed, respectively. The different product is attributed to the different doping ionic radius of Fe3+ and La3+. The photocatalyst based on the prepared samples for photodecolorization of 10 mg/l methyl orange solution was examined. Results show doping of bismuth titanate with La3+ can significantly increase the photoactivity of bismuth titanate, while Fe3+ doping decreases it. The observed increased photocatalytic activity of La dopant bismuth titanate is attributed to the strong absorption of OH groups at the surface of the catalyst.