Preparation of a novel Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 nanophotocatalyst by molten salt method and evaluation for photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B

Bismuth molybdate (Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55) powders as a novel photocatalyst was prepared using Bi(NO3)3·5H2O and Na2MoO4·2H2O as raw materials by a simple low temperature molten salt method at 160 °C for 2 h. The as-prepared samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra. The photocatalytic activity of Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55(BMO) nanocrystals was evaluated using the photocatalytic oxidation of rhodamine B (RhB) at room temperature under ultraviolet irradiation. The factors affecting the photocatalytic activity, such as photocatalysts concentration, RhB concentration and compressed air as the assisted oxidant species additives, had been studied.