Enhanced photocatalytic performance of magnesium-lithium co-doped BiVO4 and its degradation of methylene blue

Doped and undoped-BiVO4 samples with different elements (Li, Mg) and amounts were synthesized with a hydrothermal method. The synthesized samples were characterized using various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis diffusion reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by measuring the degradation of methyl blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The results indicated that the incorporation of Mg and Li into BiVO caused lattice distortion, the presence of surface hydroxyl groups, a narrower band gap, and a reduced recombination ratio of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. Notably, the photocatalytic activity of Mg5%-Li5% co-doped BiVO4 sample exhibited a significant improvement compared to that of undoped BiVO(4)sample.