Controlling Bismuth Vanadate Morphology and Crystalline Structure through Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Synthesis Conditions

Author(s)

Rodrigues, Barbara Scola ^[1] ; Branco, Carolyne Martins ^[1] ; Corio, Paola ^[2] ; Souza, Juliana S. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Ciencias Nat & Humanas, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim, BR-05513970 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Crystal Growth & Design; v. 20, n. 6, p. 3673-3685, JUN 3 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Bismuth vanadate has been widely used in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis due to its physical and chemical properties; for these applications, the control of the crystalline structure and morphology is essential. The development of methodologies to improve the control of these parameters is usually very time and energy-consuming, and further studies require several experiments. In this context, the use of microwave irradiation as a heating source is desirable, since it drastically reduces the reaction time. However, the unique interaction of the microwave with the reactional species makes the development of microwave-assisted synthesis protocols a big challenge. Here, we report a study on how the solvent (water, water/ethanol 1:1, ethanol, and ethylene glycol), pH (1-14), the use of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and solvothermal vs reflux conditions affect the crystalline structure and morphology of BiVO4 nanomaterials prepared by microwave-assisted methods. We found that monoclinic and tetragonal BiVO4 are obtained in acidic media. Also, the use of water and water/ethanol as solvents results in 2D nanomaterials, whereas nanoparticles are observed by using ethanol and ethylene glycol. Finally, the use of CTAB and hydrothermal conditions leads to smaller and denser particles. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/21070-5 - Vibrational spectroscopy with spatial resolution
• Grantee: Mauro Carlos Costa Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/11395-7 - Microwave-assisted synthesis of metal oxides semiconductors heterojunctions with photocatalytic applications
• Grantee: Juliana dos Santos de Souza Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/26633-0 - Microwave-assisted synthesis of bismuth vanadate and tungsten oxide nanostructures with application in photoelectrochemical water splitting
• Grantee: Bárbara Scola Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 19/26010-9 - Photoactive devices based on heterojunctions of bismuth vanadate and tungsten oxide over graphene
• Grantee: Bárbara Scola Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)