Synthesis of Pb x Cr1−x MoO4 oxides using microwave process and their photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Abstract

Lead molybdate (PbMoO4) and chromium-substituted lead molybdate (PbCr1−xMoxO4) were successfully synthesized using a microwave-assisted method and characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, PL, and DRS. We also investigated the photocatalytic activity of these materials for the decomposition of rhodamine B under UV and visible light irradiation. The XRD and Raman results revealed the successful synthesis of 51–59 nm, well-crystallized PbMoO4 crystals with the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The DRS spectra of PbMo1−xCrxO4 catalysts showed new intensive absorption bands in the visible light region. The PbMoO4 catalysts showed the lowest photocatalytic activity and the activity was increased with an increase of chromium substitution content under visible light irradiation. The PL peaks appeared at about 540–580 nm for all catalysts and the excitonic PL signal was proportional to the photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of rhodamine B.