Facile synthesis, characterization and optical properties of copper vanadate nanostructures for enhanced photocatalytic activity

The effect of different chemical approaches on the size, morphology and size distribution of copper vanadate nanostructures in presence of Schiff-base ligand (N,N'-buthylenebis(acetylacetone iminato)dianion = acacbn) was investigated. The as-prepared products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The optical properties and photocatalytic activity of copper vanadate nano and bulk structures were compared by degradation of cationic dye methylene blue in aqueous solution under UV-light irradiation.