Superior photocatalytic degradation of MB dye using BiVO4 nanoparticles under solar light irradiation

Abstract

An inexpensive and straightforward co-precipitation technique was employed to produce BiVO4, utilizing Bi(NO3)3 5H2O and NH4VO3 as precursors. Comprehensive analysis of the crystal structure, morphology, and optical properties was conducted via XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, and UV-DRS methods. The XRD results confirmed the crystalline nature of the catalyst, with a prominent peak at 28.7 degrees. The average crystal size was determined to be 34.8 nm. UV-DRS analysis revealed an absorption peak in the range of 280–400 nm and a bandgap energy of 2.7 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the catalyst was found to be highest in a pH∼11 solution of 20 ppm MB dye, with a catalyst dosage of 20 mg over a duration of 80 min.