Bird’s nest-like Nb 2 O 5 : preparation, characterization and multifunctional photocatalytic application

A bird's nest-like structure of Nb2O5 (Nb2O5/PVP) was produced using a hydrothermal method that involved the introduction of PVP. This unique structure provides a micro-reactor for the photocatalytic reaction, which improves the reaction efficiency. The test results demonstrated that the surface properties of Nb2O5 were altered by the introduction of PVP. This change caused an enhancement of the water adsorption capacity and ∙OH production yield. Another aspect, the energy band structure was altered by the introduction of PVP. Thus, the photogenerated charge recombination rate was reduced, the photogenerated charge mobility was improved, the reduction of photogenerated electrons was enhanced, and the ∙O2- production yield was increased. The PVP introduction broadened the light absorption range of Nb2O5 from the UV to the visible light region, increasing the light utilization efficiency. The degradation experiments demonstrated that Nb2O5/PVP had significantly better catalytic activity than pristine Nb2O5. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of TC using Nb2O5/PVP reached 90.4% in 25 min.