Piezo-photocatalytic activity of mechanochemically synthesized BiVO4 for dye cleaning

Single-phase BiVO4 (BV) powder was synthesized successfully at 600 degrees C within 4 h duration through the mechanochemical high energy ball milling method, and the combined photocatalytic and piezocatalytic activity was studied to exhibit piezo-photocatalytic efficiency. Monoclinic BV phase existence in the synthesized powder was affirmed through Raman spectroscopy and the X-ray diffraction techniques. The scanning electron microscopy affirmed the irregular-shaped BV powder in the synthesized powders. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy affirmed the existence of various oxidation states of the elements V, Bi, and O in BV powders. The piezocatalytic and photocatalytic methylene blue (MB) dye degradation efficiency using BV powdered sample was observed to be 28% and 60%, respectively, within 240 min. The piezo-photocatalytic MB dye degradation using BV powdered sample was observed to be 81% within 240 min. Effect of dye concentration on kinetic rate constant was also studied.

Automated summary

Single-phase BiVO4 powder was successfully synthesized at 600 degrees C using mechanochemical high energy ball milling method within 4 hours. The combined photocatalytic and piezocatalytic activity of BiVO4 powder exhibited high piezo-photocatalytic efficiency, with significant dye degradation observed within 240 minutes. The study confirmed the presence of various oxidation states of V, Bi, and O elements in the synthesized powder, contributing to the observed catalytic efficiencies.