Controllable synthesis and photocatalytic performance of bismuth phosphate nanorods

Abstract

BiPO 4 nanorods with controlled morphologies were fabricated using a hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activity of the BiPO 4 nanorods was investigated by their ability to degrade methylene blue (MB). The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). It was found that glycerol content, reaction time and temperature, and concentration of precursor influenced the morphology and structure of the product. The glycerol content and concentration of precursor mainly influence the morphology of the product. As the glycerol content increases, the aspect ratio first increases, and then decreases. The aspect ratio of the product increases and the size decreases as the concentration of precursor is lowered. When the reaction time is short, the crystallinity of the product is poor, and it forms a hexagonal phase. Hexagonal BiPO 4 transforms into the monoclinic product when the reaction time is longer. The optimal temperature for crystal formation was found to be 160 °C. The results show that BiPO 4 nanorods possess excellent photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet light. The photocatalytic activity of BiPO 4 increased with an increase of aspect ratio and decrease of particle size. The crystallinity of the product has a significant influence on its photocatalytic activity. BiPO 4 with higher crystallinity has higher photocatalytic activity, and monoclinic BiPO 4 has higher photocatalytic activity than hexagonal BiPO 4. © Editorial office of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica.