Enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue over V2O5/BiVO4 composite

Abstract V 2 O 5 /BiVO 4 composite photocatalysts were prepared by the one-step solution combustion synthesis method. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and UV–visible diffusion reflectance spectroscopy were used to identify the physical properties and photophysical properties of V 2 O 5 /BiVO 4 composite photocatalysts. The composite photocatalysts exhibit the enhanced photocatalytic properties for degradation of methylene blue. The mechanism of improved photocatalytic activity is also discussed.