Nanostructured shuriken-like BiVO 4 with preferentially exposed {010} facets: preparation, formation mechanism, and enhanced photocatalytic performance

photocatalyst obtained using 0.4 mmol EDTA exhibited highest photocatalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) degradation, which could be attributed to the highest exposure degree of the active {010} facets, as well as the shuriken-like nanostructure, which enhanced the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes.