Abstract
α-Bi2Mo3O12 and γ-Bi2MoO6 powders have been successfully fabricated via a sol–gel method starting from bismuth nitrate and ammonium molybdate. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by x-ray powder diffraction analysis, thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy. The results indicated the formation of α-Bi2Mo3O12 and γ-Bi2MoO6 powders in acidic (pH 5) and alkaline (pH 9) conditions, respectively. α-Bi2Mo3O12 exhibited irregular shape, while γ-Bi2MoO6 showed approximately flake-like morphology. The bandgap of pure α-Bi2Mo3O12 and γ-Bi2MoO6 was estimated to be about 2.83 eV and 2.85 eV, respectively, according to UV–Vis studies. The slight shift of the absorption edge towards longer wavelength for α-Bi2Mo3O12 indicated a decrease of the optical bandgap. Photocatalytic experiments showed that γ-Bi2MoO6 exhibited higher photodegradation activity of methylene blue compared with α-Bi2Mo3O12.
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