@article{69bcac0b680a4cb399ddaa78f2ec2409,
title = "Flower-like BiVO4 microspheres and their visible light-driven photocatalytic activity",
abstract = "A flower-like BiVO4 microsphere photocatalyst was synthesized with a simple template-free homogeneous precipitation method at 60 °C for 24 h. The purpose of this study is to explore a low-cost, simple method of synthesizing the self-assembled 3D structure in order to enhance photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). In this study, the morphology, structure, and photo-absorption of flower-like BiVO4 microspheres were characterized, and the effects of photocatalysis were analyzed. The results indicate that the size of the flower-like microspheres was about 2 μm to 4 μm and they were composed of several nanosheets. The mechanism of hierarchical microsphere formation has been proposed as the Ostwald ripening process and the self-assembled process. The obtained samples were calcined under different temperatures (300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C) to study the effects of calcination on the structure and on photocatalysis. The photocatalytic process was then evaluated by decolorization of methylene blue dye under visible-light irradiation.",
keywords = "Bismuth vanadate, Low-cost method, Methylene blue dye, Microspheres, Photocatalyst, Visible light",
author = "Zulkifili, {Arini Nuran} and Akira Fujiki and Shinji Kimijima",
note = "Funding Information: Figure 15. Recyclability of methylene blue dye degradation rate for BiVO4 microspheres calcined at Figure 15. Recyclability of methylene blue dye degradation rate for BiVO44 microspheres calcined at 400◦ °C for four cycles. 4. Conclusions 4. Conclusions 4. ConclusionsIn conclusion, by adding vanadium (III) acetylacetonate to the system, the flower-like structure In conclusion, by adding vanadium (III) acetylacetonate to the system, the flower-like structure In conclusion, by adding vanadium (III) acetylacetonate to the system, the flower-like structure can be achieved at a low temperature of 60 °C for 24 h. Although photocatalysis in decolorization just can be achieved at a low temperature of 60 C for 24 h. Although photocatalysis in decolorization just slightly improved compared to commercial BiVO4, it can mineralize the dye better, as can be seen in slightly improved compared to commercial BiVO4, it can mineralize the dye better, as can be seen in results of the TOC analysis. We believe that, with further study, the reaction time and photocatalytic results of the TOC analysis. We believe that, with further study, the reaction time and photocatalytic performance can be improved. Thus, this work may open the way to possible new and varied low- performance can be improved. Thus, this work may open the way to possible new and varied low-cost cost self-assembly synthesizing methods. self-assemblyAcknowledgmentssynthesizing: We are grateful for themethods. acknowledgement support from the National Institute of Material SAciceknncoe.wledgments: We are grateful for the acknowledgement support from the National Institute of Material Acknowledgments: We are grateful for the acknowledgement support from the National Institute of Science. MAauttehroiarlCSocinetnrcibe.utions: Arini Nuran Zulkifili conceived, designed, performed and analyzed the experiments and dAautat;h AorkCirao nFturijibkui tainodn sS: hAinrijni iK Nimurijaimn Za ucolknitfriliibcuotnedce rievaegde,ndtess/imgnateedr,i aplesr/afonramlyesdis a tnodo lasn. alyzed the experiments and Author Contributions: Arini Nuran Zulkifili conceived, designed, performed and analyzed the experiments and data; Akira Fujiki and Shinji Kimijima contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools. Conflicts of Interest: The founding sponsors had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analysis, oCr oinntfelircptrse otaft iIonnteorfe sdta:tTah; ienf tohuen wdirnitginsgp oonf sthoers mhaandunsocrripotle; oinr itnh ethdee dseigcnisioofnthtoe pstuubdliys;hi nthteh reecsoullltesc. tion, analysis, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2018 by the authors.",
year = "2018",
month = jan,
day = "31",
doi = "10.3390/app8020216",
language = "English",
volume = "8",
journal = "Applied Sciences (Switzerland)",
issn = "2076-3417",
publisher = "Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)",
number = "2",
}