Bi/BiVO4 Chainlike Hollow Microstructures: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application as Visible-Light-Active Photocatalysts

Bi/BiVO4 microstructures with novel hollow chainlike morphology were successfully fabricated for the first time, and their application as photocatalyst is explored. Composites composed of metallic Bi and amorphous BiVO4 (denoted as Bi/a-BiVO4) are first prepared through a simple solvothermal route using ethylene glycol as solvent and then hydrothermally treated in a basic solution to crystallize BiVO4. The Bi content in the Bi/BiVO4 microstructures can be facilely adjusted by changing the molar ratio of Bi3+ to V5+ in the reaction system. The photocatalytic activity of the Bi/BiVO4 microstructures is assessed by photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light illumination. The Bi/BiVO4 microstructures exhibit an obviously improved photocatalytic performance compared to the BiVO4 and Bi. The synergistic effects of BiVO4 and Bi may contribute to the improved photocatalytic activity. The present research may provide a new approach to design and fabricate BiVO4-based photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity.