Synthesis of perovskite KMgF3 with microemulsion for photocatalytic removal of various pollutants under visible light

The perovskite-type fluoride KMgF3 photocatalysts were prepared by microemulsion and sol–gel methods. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS). Photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated in the degradation of rhodanmine B, methyl orange, phenol, and chlorophenol under visible light irradiation. Results demonstrated that photocatalytic activities of KMgF3 synthesized by microemulsion method were superior to those of sol–gel method. It is considered that the excellent photocatalytic activities of KMgF3 have a close relation to the crystal defects of fluorine vacancies.