Preparation of Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 by Reflux Method and Its Application in Photodegradation of Organic Pollution

Abstract Bismuth molybdate (γ-Bi2MoO6) photocatalyst has drawn numerous attentions in the field of photocatalysis because of its band gap (2.5eV ~ 2.8eV) and good visible light response (420 ≤ λ ≤ 500 nm). However, as a kind of bismuth molybdates, there are still few studies on Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 (BMO), thus further exploration is needed. Herein, a simple reflux method was developed to synthesize the cubic phase BMO. This method is simple and easy to operate under atmospheric pressure, showing the great potential for large-scale production. In contrast with the nanosheet structure of Bi2MoO6, the morphology of BMO is mixture of nanorod and nanoparticle-like structure. The Motts curves show that conduction band position and the valence band position of BMO was 2.77 eV, -0.33eV and 2.44eV, respectively. A new mixed phase of 3Bi2O3•2MoO3 was appeared in BMO crystal, showing that the phase transition of BMO began at 400℃. When BMO was calcined at 300℃, photocatalytic degradation rate is up to maximu. The photocatalytic activity of visible-light range was tested and compared with γ-Bi2MoO6. BMO had a better photodegradation activity than that of the Aurigillius phase γ-Bi2MoO6 due to its larger band gap and the strong oxidation ability.