Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic properties of InVO4 nanoparticles

Nanosized InVO4 with orthorhombic structure was successfully synthesized at a relatively low calcination temperature of 600 degrees C by using an amorphous heteronuclear complex as precursor. The photocatalytic activity of InVO4 catalyst has been evaluated by the decomposition of formaldehyde (FAD) under UV light (lambda = 254 nm) and visible light irradiation (lambda > 420 nm). The as-synthesized InVO4 catalyst showed higher photocatalytic activity for the FAD decomposition compared to the sample prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. The calculations of the electronic band structures indicated that the valence band was composed of the O 2p orbitals, whereas the conduction band was formed by the V 3d orbitals with a small contribution of the In 5s orbitals. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared sample is discussed on the basis of the electronic band structure and bulk material structure. (C) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.