Synthesis of LaCoO3 nanoparticles by microwave process and their photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

We have investigated the photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methyl orange on the LaCoO₃ perovskite-type oxides prepared at different conditions using microwave process. In the case of LaCoO₃ catalysts calcined above 500 °C, the formation of the perovskite crystalline phase was confirmed. From the results of UV–Vis DRS, all the catalysts have the similar absorption spectrum up to visible region. The chemisorbed oxygen plays an important role on the photocatalytic decomposition of methyl orange and the higher the contents of chemisorbed oxygen, the better the performance of photocatalyst.