Sunlight responsive BiVO4photocatalyst: Effects of pH on L-cysteine-assisted hydrothermal treatment and enhanced degradation of ofloxacin

BiVO4 possessing different morphologies have been selectively synthesized by a simple procedure that based on an l-cysteine-assisted hydrothermal approach. Novel morphologies of the BiVO4 microstructures such as bone-like, bowknot-like and nanorod structures have been successfully obtained by controlling the pH value of the reaction solution. The effect of pH on the morphology, crystallinity and optical absorption property of BiVO4 was investigated. It is worthy to note that the obtained monoclinic scheelite BiVO4 (m- BiVO4) sample prepared at pH 1.0 possesses a bone-like microstructure, widened band gap and exhibits enhanced sunlight photocatalytic performance in the decomposition of ofloxacin antibiotic.

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► A monoclinic scheelite BiVO4 with a bone-like structure was prepared for the first time.
► A novel and environmentally friendly l-cysteine-assisted hydrothermal synthesis approach were used.
► Morphology was controlled by adjusting the initial pH value of the reaction solution.
► Bone-like BiVO4 exhibited excellent sunlight photocatalytic activity for the ofloxacin antibiotic degradation.