Fabrication of YxBi1−xVO4 solid solutions for efficient C2H4 photodegradation

Abstract

Photocatalytic oxidation of ethylene continues to be a challenge at the frontier of chemistry. Previous investigations have shown that BiVO₄ possesses strong photo-oxidative properties which can efficiently oxidize water and decompose organics in aqueous solutions; however, its conduction band minimum is too low to utilize the photo-generated electrons. Herein we report for the first time its effects on gaseous C₂H₄ photo-oxidation by fabricating Y_xBi_1−xVO₄ (x = 0.00–1.00) semiconductors with a polymeric method. Phase analysis identified that there are both a region of monoclinic and tetragonal phase coexistence (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.45) and a solid solution region (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.0). UV-visible diffusive reflectance spectra and Mott–Schottky analysis revealed that the incorporation of Y³⁺ widened the band gap by shifting upward the conduction band minimum as well as shifting downward the valance band maximum. Remarkable C₂H₄ photodegradation was obtained upon the Y_0.85Bi_0.15VO₄ photocatalyst and its superior performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of C₂H₄ adsorption, active oxygen species ˙O₂⁻ utilization, and relatively large surface area. The present study will be valuable for further investigation on both BiVO₄ and hydrocarbons (HC) degradation.