Synthesis of different morphologies and structures of nano-sized BiVO4 by precipitation method

The nano-sized BiVO4 with different morphologies and structures was synthesized by precipitation method through choosing different raw materials and controlling the reaction temperature and pH v alue. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy were used to characterize the products. The results showed that highly crystalline tetragonal zircon-type structure of nano-sized BiVO, with spherical particles was obtained at room temperature using NH4VO3 as the reactant. Monoclinic scheelite structure of BiVO, was obtained through increasing the reaction temperature or the pH value. By choosing NaVO3 as the raw materials, monoclinic scheelite structure BiVO4 with a plate or rod-like shape was obtained directly at room temperature. BiVO4 with different morphologies was obtained when using different surfactants.