Quasi-Hexagonal VO2/Ag3VO4 Microcrystals for Photo-Catalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B

Abstract

Quasi-hexagonal VO2/Ag3VO4 heterogeneous photocatalyst was successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method. Detailed characterization was carried out based on X-ray powder diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy. The as-prepared samples exhibited strong absorption in the UV-light region and displayed excellent UV-light-driven photocatalytic activities and stabilities in degradation of Rhodamine B under UV-light irradiation (λ = 400 nm). This enhanced photocatalytic activity might be attributed to the heterogeneous structure.

Photocatalytic Processes for Environmental Applications

“…Since the literature on single phase VO 2 photocatalysts is scarce, composites containing VO 2 is also discussed in this section. Usually, the synthesis procedure of such materials involves hydrothermal methods using V 2 O 5 and a reducing agent such as citric and oxalic acid [229][230][231][232][233]. By this mean, VO 2 (B) and VO 2 (M) can be prepared according to the experimental conditions.…”

“…Vanadium dioxide can be also combined with ternary oxides such as silver vanadate (Ag 3 VO 4 ) [232]. VO 2 /Ag 3 VO 4 composite prepared by hydrothermal method exhibits efficient utilization of both UVA and visible light (at λ < 420 nm) since about 73% of Rhodamine B is removed after 90 min irradiation time.…”

“…The reproducibility and stability of this composite is also stable. To explain the excellent photocatalytic efficiency of VO 2 /Ag 3 VO 4 , VO 2 is ascribed as the key component, since in this composite, it acts as electron trap, thus improving the e − /h + pairs separation [232].…”