Abstract Composite Bi4Ti3O12/SiO2 photocatalysts were prepared through sol-gel synthesizing of Bi4Ti3O12 on quartz spheres. The Bi4Ti3O12 supported on the micrometer-sized quartz spheres is in a perovskite structure with shrinking crystallite size. SEM and EDX images demonstrate the well dispersion of Bi4Ti3O12 on the quartz spheres. Both Bi4Ti3O12 and χBi4Ti3O12/SiO2 have small surface area due to the very limited porous structure. Chemical environments of Bi4Ti3O12 do not noticeably change after loading on SiO2. Photocatalytic activities of most supported χBi4Ti3O12/SiO2 are improved with the maximum activity on 50%Bi4Ti3O12/SiO2. Total decoloration of Reactive Brilliant Red-X3B is achieved on 50%Bi4Ti3O12/SiO2 after 90 min under UV light irradiation.
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