Porous F-doped BiVO4: Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic performance for the degradation of phenol under visible-light illumination

► F-doped monoclinic BiVO4 with porous structures are obtained hydrothermally. ► The BiVO4-F0.29 sample possesses the highest Oads concentration. ► The BiVO4-F0.29 sample possesses the lowest bandgap energy. ► The BiVO4-F0.29 sample performs the best for phenol photodegradation. ► Surface area, Oads concentration, and bandgap energy govern photocatalytic activity.