Investigation of the visible light photocatalytic activity of BiVO4 prepared by sol gel method assisted by ultrasonication

Abstract

Visible light induced photocatalyst BiVO with monoclinic scheelite structure has been synthesised via sol gel method assisted by ultrasonication. The prepared samples were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) techniques. The photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated by decolourisation of MB under visible light irradiation. The effect of ultrasound output power on the properties of BiVO during and after preparation by sol-gel method has been compared with normal agitated sample (As prepared). The power of ultrasonic vibration has been varied and an ideal output power which yields better catalytic efficiency is determined. BiVO sonicated with 80 W during preparation 80 W (D) exhibited relatively high surface area, better surface morphology and better catalytic efficiency compared to other samples which were sonicated with 100, 160 and 200 W. The results signify that the photodegradation rate of BiVO 80 W (D) sample is high up to 96% in 90 min compared to other samples. Change in morphology leading to better catalytic efficiency was obtained just by exposing the sample to ultrasonic radiation without addition of any surfactant. The recovery test showed that the sample was stable for four consecutive cycles. Using radical test, a reasonable mechanism for photodegradation has been proposed.

Fabrication of reusable polymer nanocomposite films made of thermoplastic polyurethane and modified BiVO4 for photodegradation of Malachite Green

“…BiVO 4 is a semiconductor which possesses band gap in the visible region. It is non-toxic, photochemically stable and exhibits appreciable photocatalytic activity [20,21]. The catalytic activity of BiVO 4 can be enhanced by modifying the compound by various methods such as doping as doping modifies the band structure/band gap and decreases the rate of recombination of charges [22,23].…”

Study of the effect of operative conditions on the decolourization of azo dye solutions by using hydrodynamic cavitation at the lab scale

“…[35,36] The light activates these compounds and OH radicals and O 2 − are formed and can react with the pollutant substance. [37][38][39] Moreover, the performance of the process also increases as a result of catalyst dispersion during hydrodynamic cavitation since more active sites are available to react with the organic pollutants. [40,41] In a recent scientific paper, Li et al [36] studied the removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) assisted by Fe 3+ -doped TiO 2 by Venturi tube.…”

Microwave synthesis of sulfur‐doped α‐Fe2O3 and testing in photodegradation of methyl orange

“…Several studies have been focused on the synthesis of metal oxides with high absorbance under a visible region, harvesting 95% of sunlight. This target has been achieved by metal doping, 1–5 nonmetal doping, 6–10 or choosing an appropriate preparation method 11–14 . Iron oxide (α‐Fe 2 O 3 , hematite) has a photocatalytic ability in electricity generation, and pollutants oxidize to environmentally safe products 15–20 .…”

“…This target has been achieved by metal doping, [1][2][3][4][5] nonmetal doping, [6][7][8][9][10] or choosing an appropriate preparation method. [11][12][13][14] Iron oxide (α-Fe 2 O 3 , hematite) has a photocatalytic ability in electricity generation, and pollutants oxidize to environmentally safe products. [15][16][17][18][19][20] This photocatalyst with a low cost, high abundance, and a narrow band gap (E g = 2.1 eV) has been developed to particularly enhance its efficiency in wastewater photodegradation.…”