Abstract
In this work, Ag or/and Cu doped BiVO 4 samples has been prepared successfully via hydrothermal and photoreduction method. Ag/Cu co-doped BiVO 4 exhibited high photocatalytic degradation efficiency in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and displayed a significantly superior property compared to pure BiVO 4, as well as only Ag or Cu doped BiVO 4 upon exposure to visible light source. Interestingly, we found that enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag/Cu co-doped BiVO 4 arises from the synergistic effect between the Ag and Cu co-doped BiVO 4 with smaller crystalline size, improved photocatalytic reaction sites, improved life-time and enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers which are confirmed using different characterization techniques. The degradation of MB was mainly indicated by superoxide radical species as confirmed by the trapping experiment. Based on the collective results obtained an excellent photocatalytic activity in Ag/Cu co-doped BiVO 4 has been confirmed.