Enhanced photocatalytic activity of K2O-Na2O-SiO2-Al2O3 glazes with La-Zn2TiO4

The objective of this study is to develop a ceramic glaze that exhibits sustained high photocatalytic performance under elevated thermal conditions. A lanthanum-doped zinc titanium oxide material (La-Zn 2 TiO 4 ) was synthesized via a sol-hydrothermal method and incorporated into a traditional ceramic glaze, which was subsequently sintered at 1300 ℃. The experimental findings indicate that the optimal photocatalytic activity is attained when the ratio of lanthanum, zinc, and titanium in the material is 0.07:2:1, resulting in a degradation rate of 99.18% for methylene blue within 24 h. When incorporated into glazes at a 20 wt% ratio, the material still achieved a 93.91% degradation rate for methylene blue after 60 h of illumination. Additionally, the surface hydrophilicity of the glaze underwent a substantial enhancement, as evidenced by a decrease in the water contact angle from 57.529° for the pure glaze to 24.146°. A thorough analysis reveals that the incorporation of La-Zn 2 TiO 4 not only broadens the glaze's light absorption spectrum but also increases surface active sites, thereby effectively enhancing the glaze's photocatalytic performance after high temperature processing. This study provides novel insights and practical solutions for developing high-temperature-stable photocatalytic ceramic glazes with self-cleaning capabilities. • Optimal La:Zn:Ti ratio of 0.07:2:1 achieved 99.18% MB degradation. • 20 wt% La-Zn 2 TiO 4 in glaze enabled 93.91% MB degradation at 1300 ℃. • Sol-gel/hydrothermal synthesis of La-doped Zn₂TiO₄ enhanced photocatalysis. • La doping reduced grain size and bandgap, improving glaze activity.