Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange on the Composite of TiO2 and Lanthanum Niobate

In order to improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2, the optimal catalytic conditions of TiO2 and niobate as well as the composite TiO2 and niobate photocatalyst were studied. 10 mg/l of methyl orange solution was taken as imitated waste water. The results indicated that the optimum dosage of TiO2 was 0.8 g/l. The optimal calcination temperature to prepare lanthanum niobate was 900 degrees C. n(La):n(Nb) was in the range of 0.6:1-3:1, and the photocatalyst prepared in the ratio of 1.4:1 showed the highest activity. The results also showed that, TiO2-lanthanum niobate composite prepared by solid-state reaction method showed better photocatalytic activity on methyl orange degradation compared with pure TiO2. After 120 minutes of irradiation, methyl orange degradation rate reached 94.2 % when using the composite photocatalyst.