Fabrication of Sr_0.5Ba_0.5Nb₂O ₆-precipitated microstructured ceramics for photocatalytic application

We have succeeded in preparing Sr_0.5Ba_0.5Nb ₂O₆ (SBN50)-precipitated ceramics by acid etching via a glass-ceramic process using SrO-BaO-Nb₂O₅-B ₂O₃-ZnO-SiO₂ glasses. Although the mother glass has good resistance to acid etching, the phase separated glass-ceramic obtained by crystallization was easily etched. This phase separation process was favorable for removing the amorphous B₂O₃ZnO phase and a superfluous crystalline phase. Addition of SiO₂, substituted for B₂O₃, was effective for maintaining the bulk structure of the SBN50-etched ceramic because of its ability to form a strong and chemically stable network. We have found that the SBN50-precipitated ceramic demonstrates photocatalytic activity, which is the first report on the activity of SBN50.