Abstract:
Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) was synthesized by chemical co-precipitation and ultrasonic assisted coprecipitation
method. The crystal structure of the samples was studied using X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The
monoclinic scheelite structure was confirmed from the presence of (1 2 1) and (0 4 0) planes. The
morphology and optical properties of the samples were analysed using scanning electron microscope
(SEM) and UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) respectively. Photocatalytic activity of the
prepared BiVO4 was tested for the photo-degradation of Methylene Blue under visible light irradiation.
The properties of as prepared BiVO4 is compared with the samples prepared using ultrasonic assisted coprecipitation
method during and after preparation, and an optimal ultrasonic power output which leads to
better photocatalytic activity is identified. The sample sonicated with 160 W during preparation yielded
better catalytic efficiency which showed 93% degradation of Methylene blue. The improved catalytic
activity could be attributed to its crystallinity, unique morphology and higher surface area compared to
other samples.
