One-pot template-free synthesis of porous CdMoO4 microspheres and their enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract The optical and catalytic performances of materials strongly depend on their size, morphology, dimensionality and structure. Herein, we demonstrate a facile one-pot template free synthesis of hierarchical CdMoO 4 porous microspheres via a simple low temperature oil bath method. The photoactivity of the as-prepared samples was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of Methyl Orange (MO) and Methylene Blue (MB) mixed dye aqueous solutions at ambient temperature under full solar spectrum. The results indicated that the concentration of ammonium molybdate and reaction time greatly influence the diameter, average crystallite size, specific surface area, pore structure and photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples. Especially, under the suitable conditions the prepared hierarchical CdMoO porous microspheres exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and high stability. Furthermore, it is found that the photocatalytic activity and formation rate of hydroxyl radicals greatly depend on the particle sizes and morphology of as-prepared samples. This work not only demonstrates a simple way to fabricate the hierarchical CdMoO 4 porous microspheres but also shows a possibility for utilization of CdMoO 4 porous microspheres for the photocatalytic treatment of waste water pollutants.