Structural characterization and photocatalytic properties of novel Bi2YVO8

Bi2YVO8 was prepared by solid-state reaction for the first time. The structural and photocatalytic properties of Bi2YVO8 were studied. The results showed that this compound has the tetragonal crystal system with space group I4/mmm. The band gap of Bi2YVO8 was estimated to be about 2.09 eV by plotting (αhν)2 versus hν and obtaining the hν axis intercept value according to Tauc's equation. For the photocatalytic water splitting reaction, H2 or O2 evolution was observed from pure water with Bi2YVO8 as the photocatalyst under ultraviolet light irradiation (wavelength = 390 nm). Degradation of aqueous methylene blue photocatalyzed by this compound was investigated under visible light irradiation. Bi2YVO8 showed higher photocatalytic activity compared to Bi2YTaO7, Bi2InTaO7 or TiO2 (P-25). Complete removal of aqueous methylene blue was achieved after visible light irradiation for 170 min. The decrease of the total organic carbon and the formation of inorganic products such as SO42− and NO3− revealed the continuous mineralization of aqueous methylene blue during photocatalytic reaction.