Abstract
The pronounced light sensitivity of BiVO4 has garnered significant attention, establishing it as a visible light-responsive photocatalyst. This study was focused on enhancing the optical, dielectric constant properties, and photocatalytic activity of BiVO4 compositions. By employing a modified combustion method, pure BiVO4, Ni-mono-doped (BiNi0.02V0.98VO4), and Ni/Co-bi-doped (BiCo0.02Ni0.02V0.96VO4) were synthesized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis validated the formation of a monoclinic BiVO4 phase. The incorporation of Ni2+ and Co2+ ions into the BiVO4 lattice was supported by variations in the lattice parameters, volume expansion and increased average crystallite size. Morphological investigation via scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDAX) confirmed the purity of the synthesized nanocompositions and unveiled distinctive rod-like and needle-like particle shapes in BiNi0.02Co0.02V0.96VO4, with an aspect ratio of 0.07–0.1, indicating potential benefits for efficient charge separation in photocatalysis. Optical examination highlighted redshifts in band gap energy (2.36 eV) due to both Ni and (Co, Ni) co-doping, leading to direct band gaps of 2.34 eV and 2.32 eV, respectively. High refractive index values exceeding 2.5, conducive to optical applications, were observed across all samples. Through Ni and Ni/Co doping process, a notable enhancement in conductivity emerged, particularly within the low-frequency domain. The co-doping of Ni and Co demonstrated elevated relative permittivity (εʹ) values exclusively within the low-frequency span, up to 100 Hz. In contrast, the Ni-mono-doping interestingly disclosed an enhancement in (εʹ) across all frequency ranges. Photocatalytic results demonstrated heightened degradation activity in doped samples, with the BiNi0.02Co0.02V0.96VO4, sample exhibiting the highest rate, achieving 88 % degradation efficiency in 180 min. This exceptional performance can be attributed to its visible-light-responsive band gap, increased electron-hole trapping sites, and distinct morphology.
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