EFFECT OF ULTRASONICATION DURING AND AFTER PREPARATION OF BIVO4 BY CHEMICAL COPRECIPITATION TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) was prepared by ultrasonic assisted coprecipitation method. The photocatalytic activity of BiVO4 was tested under visible light irradiation for the degradation of MB. The properties of BiVO4 prepared by coprecipitation is compared with samples prepared using ultrasonic assisted coprecipiation and an optimal ultrasonic power output yielding better photocatalytic activity is identified. The properties like crystallinity, morphology were studied to understand its effect on photocatalytic property. The sample sonicated with 160 W during preparation yielded better catalytic efficiency (90% degradation of Methylene blue). The improved catalytic activity could be due to the inhibition of electron-holes recombination.