New updates on vanadate compounds synthesis and visible-light-driven photocatalytic applications

Photocatalysis is known as a new and cost-effective method to solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution. Although the application of this method seems practical, finding an efficient and stable photocatalyst with a suitable bandgap and visible-light sensitivity remains challenging. In this context, vanadate compounds photocatalysts have been synthesized and used as emerging composites, and their efficiency has been improved through elemental doping and morphology modifications. In this review, the major synthesis methods, and the design of the latest photocatalytic compounds based on vanadate are presented. In addition, the effect of vanadate microstructures on various photocatalytic applications such as hydrogen production, CO۲ reduction, and removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals are discussed. For instance, the application of a ۲D-۱D BiVO۴/CdS heterostructure photocatalyst enhances ۴۰ times the hydrogen production from benzyl alcohol than pure BiVO۴. Similarly, the InVO۴/Bi۲WO۶ composite has a superior photocatalytic capability for the reduction of CO۲ into CO compared to pure InVO۴. A CO production rate of ۱۸ μmol.g-۱.h-۱ can be achieved by using this heterostructure. Regarding the organic pollutants’ removal, the use of Montmorillonite/BiVO۴ structure allows a complete removal of Brilliant Red ۸۰ dye after only ۲ hours of irradiation. Finally, copper heavy metal is reduced to ۹۰% in water, by using BiVO۴/rGO/g-C۳N۴ optimized photocatalyst structure. Other examples on decorated vanadate compounds for enhancing photocatalytic activities are also treated.Photocatalysis is known as a new and cost-effective method to solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution. Although the application of this method seems practical, finding an efficient and stable photocatalyst with a suitable bandgap and visible-light sensitivity remains challenging. In this context, vanadate compounds photocatalysts have been synthesized and used as emerging composites, and their efficiency has been improved through elemental doping and morphology modifications. In this review, the major synthesis methods, and the design of the latest photocatalytic compounds based on vanadate are presented. In addition, the effect of vanadate microstructures on various photocatalytic applications such as hydrogen production, CO۲ reduction, and removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals are discussed. For instance, the application of a ۲D-۱D BiVO۴/CdS heterostructure photocatalyst enhances ۴۰ times the hydrogen production from benzyl alcohol than pure BiVO۴. Similarly, the InVO۴/Bi۲WO۶ composite has a superior photocatalytic capability for the reduction of CO۲ into CO compared to pure InVO۴. A CO production rate of ۱۸ μmol.g-۱.h-۱ can be achieved by using this heterostructure. Regarding the organic pollutants’ removal, the use of Montmorillonite/BiVO۴ structure allows a complete removal of Brilliant Red ۸۰ dye after only ۲ hours of irradiation. Finally, copper heavy metal is reduced to ۹۰% in water, by using BiVO۴/rGO/g-C۳N۴ optimized photocatalyst structure. Other examples on decorated vanadate compounds for enhancing photocatalytic activities are also treated.

Keywords:

Photocatalyst , Synthesis , Solar energy , Vanadate compound , Nanocomposite