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Development of Ag-coated BiVO4 nano/heterostructures for visible-light-responsive photocatalytic performance

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Abstract

Synthesis of Ag-coated BiVO4 nano/heterostructured photocatalysts was carried out through a two-step process, and their performance was comprehensively evaluated, in this study. The as-synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS). Ag nanoparticles were successfully coated on walnut-like BiVO4 microarchitectures assembled from sphere-shaped nanostructures. Based on the optical results, Ag coating could effectively promote visible light absorption and greatly increase the light absorption threshold because of the synergistic effect on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Evaluations of nano/heterostructures’ photo-reactivity were conducted by photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous environment subject to visible light irradiation (VLI). All Ag-BiVO4 nano/heterostructured samples showed improved photocatalytic efficiencies compared to Pure-BiVO4 sample, as approved by optical absorption studies. The Schottky scheme mechanism, which introduced a charge transfer route at the metal–semiconductor interface, was also discussed for photocatalytic reactions.

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Acknowledgements

This work received partial support from the Ahvaz Branch of Islamic Azad University, and the authors express their deep appreciation to the Research Council for the support provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Engineering, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

    Mohsen Bahmei

  2. Advanced Surface Engineering and Nano Materials Research Center, Department of Materials Engineering, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

    Mehdi Boroujerdnia

  3. Advanced Surface Engineering and Nano Materials Research Center, Department of Physics, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

    Azadeh Haghighatzadeh

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  1. Mohsen Bahmei
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Contributions

M. Bahmei performed all the synthesis, characterization, photocatalytic experiments, and preparation of the manuscript’s original draft. M. Boroujerdnia was responsible for the overall project supervision, review, and edition of the manuscript. A. Haghighatzadeh contributed as the overall project advisor. The results were discussed by all authors, who then approved the submission.

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Correspondence to Mehdi Boroujerdnia.

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Bahmei, M., Boroujerdnia, M. & Haghighatzadeh, A. Development of Ag-coated BiVO4 nano/heterostructures for visible-light-responsive photocatalytic performance. J Aust Ceram Soc 60, 291–303 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41779-023-00971-y

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