Reflux preparation and photocatalytic performance of bismuth phosphate nanorods

Abstract

BiPO4 nanorods were synthesized by reflux, and the effect of reaction time, reactant ratio and concentration, and pH value on BiPO4 crystal structure and morphology was investigated. Nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), specific surface area analysis (BET), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The ability of BiPO4 to photo-degrade methylene blue (MB) was investigated. The reaction time and reactant concentration influenced the product morphology. The reactant ratio and pH value had a large effect on the product crystal structure and morphology, and also on the photo-activity of BiPO4. Highly UV active BiPO4 nanorods of monoclinic monazite/hexagonal mixed crystal structure suitable for photocatalysis could be prepared by carefully controlling the above conditions. © Editorial office of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica.