Preparation, Characterization and Photocatalytic Preoperty of BiVO4 Photocatalyst by Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) powders were synthesized by complexing Sol-Gel method using citric acid as chelate,calcined at different temperature and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microsoope（SEM）and specific surface area (BET). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) solution under visible light. It revealed that temperature values can influence significantly on the morphologies and structures of the products.It also found that the sample prepared with the molar ratio of citric acid to metal inons be 2:1, pH=7 and calcinated under 400°C for 5 hours was pure monoclinic BiVO4 phase.In this conditions, the sample had highest photocatalytic activity with the photodegradation rate was about 94% or so in 20min under 250W halogen lamp.