Synthesis, characterization and environmental applications of bismuth vanadate

Pollution and the scarcity of water resources are considered major issues of concern in recent years. Treatment technology is important for reuse of water and wastewater, especially industrial wastewater. The photocatalytic process using semiconductors has emerged as a promising method in removing aqueous pollutants. Among the semiconductor photocatalysts, bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is an effective visible light driven photocatalyst with various excellent properties such as narrow bandgap, resistance to corrosion, and low toxicity. In the past, much research was focused on synthesizing BiVO4 and enhancing its photocatalytic activity. A comprehensive discussion on synthesis and characterization (including morphology and structure) are presented in this review. Furthermore, the application of BiVO4 photocatalytic activity in water treatment is also discussed; the degradation of dye molecules and actual organic pollutants in the photocatalytic system under visible light irradiation is explained. This review is beneficial for further related research such as material development and pollution prevention.