One-step fabrication of novel BiVO4 hollow nanotubes with improved photocatalytic activity

The construction of nano/micromaterials with specific morphologies is regarded as an excellent strategy to achieve improved photocatalytic activity. Herein, novel BiVO4 hollow nanotubes have been synthesized via LAspartic acid (L-Asp) assisted hydrothermal method, in which L-Asp was used as a structure-directing agent. The morphologies and crystalline structures of the as-obtained BiVO4 were dependent on the L-Asp dosage and the pH value. The photocatalytic performance of as-obtained BiVO4 nanotubes was evaluated by the degradation of Congo red (CR) solution under UV-light irradiation and the degradation efficiency reached about 90 % in 50 min. In comparison with other morphological BiVO4 samples, the improved photocatalytic performance of BiVO4 nanotubes was mainly attributed to the hollow architectures and higher specific surface areas, which increase the reactive sites, shorten carriers transfer paths and improve their light absorption ability as well.

Automated summary

Novel BiVO4 hollow nanotubes were synthesized using L-Aspartic acid (L-Asp) as a structure-directing agent via a hydrothermal method. The morphologies and crystalline structures of the synthesized BiVO4 were influenced by the dosage of L-Asp and the pH value. The photocatalytic performance of the BiVO4 nanotubes showed a high degradation efficiency of about 90% in 50 minutes under UV-light irradiation due to their hollow architectures and higher specific surface areas, which increase reactive sites, shorten carrier transfer paths, and improve light absorption ability.