Zn3V2O7(OH)2(H2O)2 and Zn3V2O8nanostructures: controlled fabrication and photocatalytic performance

Abstract

Floriated like and nanobelt nanostructures of Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂(H₂O)₂ were successfully synthesized by a template-free hydrothermal route. The as-prepared floriated nanostructures were composed of 2D nanosheets, which intercrossed with each other through self-assembly. The influence of the hydrothermal temperature on the morphology and photocatalytic activities of products was systematically investigated. Significantly, this is the first time that Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂(H₂O)₂ was used as a photocatalyst for organic pollutant degradation under UV light irradiation. Moreover, Zn₃V₂O₈ with porous nanostructures could be formed viacalcination of the corresponding Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂(H₂O)₂. It was found that the Zn₃V₂O₈ nanostructure still possessed floriated like morphology and the pore sizes within the floriated were about 4 nm. All these characteristics were beneficial for the improvement of photocatalytic activity. The reaction constant (k) of the best quality Zn₃V₂O₈ nanostructure was three times that of the sample prepared by solid-state reaction under visible-light irradiation.