Effect of calcination temperature on the structure and photocatalytic performance of BiVO4 prepared via an improved solution combustion method

Abstract

The bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photocatalysts were synthesised via an improved solution combustion method. The effects of different calcine temperatures on microstructure and photocatalytic properties of BiVO4 were studied. The samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction, X-ray phototelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet-visible and photoluminescence analyses. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B (rhB). The results showed that all samples were monoclinic structures with high purity. Moreover, the calcination temperature had significant effects on both morphology and photocatalytic properties of BiVO4. The sample obtained at 500°C had the narrowest bandgap energy and presented the best photocatalytic activity for the rhB photodegradation rate reached up to 86.67% after 50 min under visible-light irradiation.