Novel Zr-doped TiO2 delaminated clay materials were prepared by a sol-gel process.
Zr is incorporated into the anatase lattice.
Zr-TiO2 nanoparticles are homogenously distributed over the delaminated clay.
Zr doping enhances the photoactivity by reducing the band gap.
Degradation rates were favored at low concentrations and high radiation intensities.