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Title: Synthetic trends for BiVO{sub 4} photocatalysts: Molybdenum substitution vs. TiO{sub 2} and SnO{sub 2} heterojunctions

Journal Article · · Journal of Solid State Chemistry
 [1]
  1. Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich (Switzerland)

The influence of hydrothermal synthesis, thermal post-treatment at 500 Degree-Sign C and Mo content on a series of Bi{sub 1-x/3}V{sub 1-x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4} (0.02<0.15) photocatalysts was investigated for methylene blue (MB) degradation and O{sub 2} evolution. Mo incorporation stabilizes the tetragonal scheelite phase of BiVO{sub 4}, thereby inducing a small blue shift of the band gap. This adverse effect can be partially compensated by incorporation of lower Mo amounts (up to ca. 4%), which stabilizes the particle morphology upon calcination. Both BiVO{sub 4}-TiO{sub 2} and BiVO{sub 4}:Mo-TiO{sub 2} heterojunction composites with TiO{sub 2} particle coatings in the 10 nm range were newly synthesized and displayed promising photocatalytic performance in MB degradation. Comparative studies with SnO{sub 2} heterojunctions revealed a superior influence of TiO{sub 2} deposition over SnO{sub 2} coating on both BiVO{sub 4} and Bi{sub 1-x/3}V{sub 1-x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4} oxide substrates. Different synthetic guidelines for BiVO{sub 4}-based solid solutions and heterojunctions in photocatalytic wastewater treatment and water oxidation are discussed. - Graphical Abstract: The influence of Mo substitution on the structure, morphology and surface area of BiVO{sub 4} photocatalysts was investigated through hydrothermal synthesis of nanoscale Bi{sub 1-x/3}V{sub 1-x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4} mixed oxides. Their catalytic activity in organic dye degradation and water oxidation was compared to the newly synthesized Bi{sub 1-x/3}V{sub 1-x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4}-MO{sub 2} (M=Ti, Sn) heterojunctions. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New hydrothermal approach to nanoscale Bi{sub 1-x/3}V{sub 1-x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4} photocatalysts. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Influence of molybdenum substitution on organic dye degradation and water oxidation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Photocatalytic activity of novel Bi{sub 1-x/3}V{sub 1-x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4}-MO{sub 2} (M=Ti, Sn) heterojunctions.

OSTI ID:
22012102
Journal Information:
Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Vol. . 189; Conference: 6. international conference on materials for advanced technologies,, Singapore (Singapore), 26 Jun - 1 Jul 2011; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0022-4596
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English