Fabrication of Novel BiVO4 Homostructure with Superior Visible Light Induced Photocatalytic Properties Using Directing Agents.

The development of a photocatalyst production through low cost is still a significant concern for locating target material properties and possibility of mass production. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is a semiconductor and mostly used in photocatalysis due to its photocatalytic efficiency in the visible light range. In this research work, a novel synthesis of the BiVO4 photocatalyst was performed using surfactants through a hydrothermal route. Oxalic acid, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and ammonium fluoride (NH4F) were used as surfactants to maintain crystal orientation, morphology, and greater photocatalytic activity. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity of a prepared sample was investigated via destruction of MB, RhB dye and an antibiotic TC under visible light irradiation. Moreover, it was confirmed that by using XRD and SEM characterization the BiVO4/NH4F nanorods exhibited unique morphology and structure. EDX spectroscopy successfully assessed elemental composition of synthesized samples. Optical properties were examined using PL and UV–Visible spectroscopy. The prepared nanorods material degraded almost 77% of MB, 69% of RhB, and 73% of TC in 120 min. The degradation efficiency of BiVO4/NH4F material is increased due to the lower recombination rate and enhanced production of a number of defects and oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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