One-step approach to novel Bi4V2O11hierarchical hollow microspheres with high visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities

Abstract

New visible-light-sensitive hierarchical Bi4V2O11 hollow microspheres have been successfully synthesized by a facile template-free solvothermal route. The hierarchical Bi4V2O11 superstructure was constructed of single-crystalline nanoplates with a porous surface. A possible growth pattern and formation mechanism of hierarchical Bi4V2O11 hollow microspheres was proposed. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of the hollow sample was 84.613 m2 g−1, which was much higher than other prepared Bi4V2O11 powders. The hierarchical Bi4V2O11 hollow microspheres exhibited excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB). The improved photocatalytic performance could be ascribed to the high specific surface area, the narrow band gap and unique hierarchical hollow structure. The resulting hierarchical Bi4V2O11 hollow microspheres are very promising photocatalysts for degrading organic pollutants and other applications.