Synthesis of bismuth vanadate nanoplates with exposed {001} facets and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic properties

Well-defined m-BiVO4 nanoplates with exposed {001} facets have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route, without the use of any template or organic surfactant. The as-prepared m-BiVO4 nanoplates exhibit greatly enhanced activity in the visible-light photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants and photocatalytic oxidation of water for O-2 generation.