Enhanced photocatalytic properties of molybdenum-doped BiVO4 prepared by sol-gel method

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has been investigated intensively and extensively due to its potential applications in the photocatalytic treatment of organic-containing wastewater. In this study, Mo-BiVO4 samples were synthesized by a facile sol-gel process. These samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. It is found that the phase structure of Mo-BiVO4 photocatalyst is monoclinic scheelite. The photocatalytic activities of the obtained BiVO4 samples were investigated by means of the decolorization efficiency of methyl orange (MO). The BiVO4 and Mo-BiVO4 photocatalysts show the response on the visible light. The doped BiVO4 photocatalysts show higher decolorization efficiency than that of bare BiVO4.