Highly Efficient Degradation of Methylene Blue on Microwave Synthesized FeVO4 Nanoparticles Photocatalysts under Visible-Light Irradiation
Ferric vanadate (FeVO4) nanoparticles as visible-light photocatalysts were successfully prepared by microwave irradiation method. The structure and morphology of FeVO4 nanoparticles were charactered by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Absorption ranges, which are responsible for the observed photocatalyst behavior, were investigated. Photocatalytic activities of the synthesized samples were examined by studying the degradation of the model dyes Methylene Blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation (400 nm). Various influence factors such as heat treatment temperature of FeVO4, and solution pH values as well as the amount of hydrogen peroxide and FeVO4 catalyst on the photocatalytic degradation of MB were discussed. Results clearly show the degradation ratio can reach 99% under the optimal reaction conditions in dye wastewater treatment in a short photocatalytic reaction time.