Rapid and solvent-free solid-state synthesis and characterization of Zn3V2O8 nanostructures and their phenol red aqueous solution photodegradation

Zinc vanadate (Zn3V2O8) nanostructures have been successfully synthesized via simple, rapid and solvent-free solid-state method by using different complex precursors of Zn and NH4VO3 as novel starting materials. Effects of various zinc (II) Schiff base complex precursors and calcination temperatures were investigated to reach optimum condition. It was found that particle size and optical property of the as-prepared products could be greatly influenced via these parameters. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Photoluminescence and ultraviolet-visible (UVeVis) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of zinc vanadate nano and bulk structures were compared by degradation of phenol red aqueous solution. (C) 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.