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Title: Electrochemical performance and enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ce-doped BiVO{sub 4} under visible light irradiation

Journal Article · · Materials Research Bulletin

Highlights: • Ce-BiVO{sub 4} was synthesized via a simple precipitation-impregnation method. • Photo-generated electrons transfer from the BiVO{sub 4} to the Ce{sup 4+} ions. • The enhanced interfacial electron transfer for Ce-BiVO{sub 4} was observed using EIS and photocurrent. • The enhanced activity of Ce-BiVO{sub 4} is mainly attributed to the increased charge separation. - Abstract: Ce-BiVO{sub 4} composites have been synthesized via a simple precipitation-impregnation method and were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS), electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) and photocurrent. All the BiVO{sub 4} and Ce-BiVO{sub 4} samples are composed of monoclinic scheelite BiVO{sub 4}. Compared to BiVO{sub 4}, the increased photocurrent and decreased diameter of the semicircle have been observed for Ce-BiVO{sub 4}, indicating that the Ce-doping can enhance interfacial electron transfer for Ce-BiVO{sub 4}. Ce-BiVO{sub 4} composites show enhanced activity in the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation in comparison with P25 and pure BiVO{sub 4}, and 1.0%Ce-BiVO{sub 4} shows the best photocatalytic activity because of its enhanced light absorption, narrowed bandgap and improved separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs, which was achieved as a result of photogenerated electrons transfer from the BiVO{sub 4} to the Ce{sup 4+} ions.

OSTI ID:
22730428
Journal Information:
Materials Research Bulletin, Vol. 94; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2017 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0025-5408
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English