Enhanced photocatalytic properties of molybdenum‐doped BiVO ₄ prepared by sol–gel method

Abstract

Abstract Bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) has been investigated intensively and extensively due to its potential applications in the photocatalytic treatment of organic‐containing wastewater. In this study, Mo‐BiVO 4 samples were synthesized by a facile sol–gel process. These samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. It is found that the phase structure of Mo‐BiVO 4 photocatalyst is monoclinic scheelite. The photocatalytic activities of the obtained BiVO 4 samples were investigated by means of the decolorization efficiency of methyl orange (MO). The BiVO 4 and Mo‐BiVO 4 photocatalysts show the response on the visible light. The doped BiVO 4 photocatalysts show higher decolorization efficiency than that of bare BiVO 4 .