Preparation and characterization of Mo6V8.5Te0.5O40 mixed oxide with intrinsic redox couples as an efficient photocatalyst for dye degradation

•A new semiconductor material Mo6V8.5Te0.5O40 was synthesized.•Intrinsic redox couples were demonstrated in Mo6V8.5Te0.5O40.•The Mo-V mixed oxide show efficient photodegradation on dye solutions.•Introduction of Te4+ in Mo-V mixed oxide promotes optical absorption and photocatalysis.