A novel two-step route for synthesizing pure Ta2O5 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity

An innovative and environmentally-friendly procedure has been developed for the successful preparation of Ta2O5 nanoparticles (NPs). This method includes mechanical milling and a subsequent calcination step. The in-situ formation of LiCl/KCl and the partial crystallization of Ta2O5 at low-temperature were observed after milling, confirming the existence of chemical reaction between TaCl5 and LiOH/KOH reagents, and also the mechanochemical...