The Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol and Chlorophenol onto Bismuth Vanadate Powder Prepared by the Solvothermal Method

Abstract

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) powder was prepared by the solvothermal method. Bismuth nitrate and ammonium vanadate were used as the starting precursors with mole ratio of 1:1. The mixed solution was heated in the solvothermal vessel at 100°C for 2–6 h. The phase of BiVO₄ powder was characterized by X–ray diffractometer (XRD). The morphology and chemical composition of BiVO₄ powder were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X–ray spectroscope (EDXS). The surface area of BiVO₄ powder was determined by Brunauer, Emmett and Teller analyzer (BET). The photocatalytic degradation of phenol and chlorophenol onto BiVO₄ powder was studied and determined by gas chromatograph (GC).