Microwave-assisted Synthesis Bismuth Vanadate (BiVO4) Powder

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) powder was synthesized by the microwave method. Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate (Bi(NO3)3.5H2O) and ammonium vanadate (NH4VO3) were used as the starting precursors with the mole ratio of 1:1. The mixed solution was stirred and adjusted the pH of solution to 7 with ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH). The yellow final solution was treated in the microwave with an irradiation power at 600, 700 and 800 Watt for 2, 4 and 6 min, respectively. The phase of BiVO4 powder was identified by X–ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and chemical composition of BiVO4 powder were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X–ray spectroscopy (EDXS), respectively. The surface area of BiVO4 powder was determined by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET).