Coupled Piezocatalysis and Photocatalysis in Melt-Quenched Bi2VO5.5 for Dye Degradation

Abstract

This study highlights the coupling of photocatalytic and piezocatalytic activity, potentially improving the efficacy of synthesis under both solar and visible light conditions. The melt-quench technique was employed to synthesize a single-phase Bi2VO5.5 (BV) sample. The orthorhombic Bi2VO5.5 phase was established using Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. Analysis via scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the irregular morphology of the synthesized Bi2VO5.5. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the different elemental oxidation states that were present. During the synergetic piezo-photocatalysis experiment under visible light in methylene blue dye, degradation efficiency of ∼63% within 180 min was achieved. The kinetic rate constant was investigated in relation to the concentration of the dye. The kinetic rate constants for the BV sample under sunlight were 0.01168 min−1 and 0.02183 min−1 for photocatalysis in 90 min and piezo-photocatalysis in 30 min, respectively.