Synthesis of a novel photocatalyst, ZnBiVO4, for the photodecomposition of H2S

A novel metal-oxide photocatalyst, ZnBiVO4, was investigated for the photodecomposition of hydrogen sulfide. ZnBiVO4 was prepared using the solid-state method, as well as a solution route for the first time. Oxides of zinc, bismuth, and vanadium were used for the solid-state method, whereas the respective metal salts were used as precursors for the solution route synthesis. The microstructure of the newly prepared ZnBiVO4 was examined using XRD and FESEM. Tetragonal and monoclinic crystallite systems were observed in this ternary oxide system. Nanocrystalline ZnBiVO4 was obtained through the solution route. The catalyst was also characterized using UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to evaluate its band gap. Photodecomposition of H2S using this catalyst was observed for the first time. The influence of preparation methods on the photocatalytic activity of ZnBiVO4 was examined and it was observed that the ZnBiVO4 prepared by the solution route led to a higher photocatalytic activity during H2S decomposition. It is noteworthy that the hydrogen evolution was enhanced by 100% using ZnBiVO4 prepared by the solution route as compared with the ZnBiVO4 prepared by the solid-state method.Key words: photocatalyst, ZnBiVO4, hydrogen sulfide, metal oxide, photodecomposition.