Characterization of Black-Light-Driven CeVO<inf>4</inf> Photocatalysts Synthesized by Sol-Gel Method Using Citric Acid as Complexing Agent with Subsequent High Temperature Calcination

Abstract

Abstract: CeVO4 as black-light-driven photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by a sol-gel method using citric acid as a complexing agent with subsequent 450–600°C calcination for 2 h. The as-synthesized products were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TGA analysis shows three-step weight losses caused by evaporation and decomposition of adsorbed water, organic compound, citric complex and phase transformation. X-ray diffraction and SEM results show that the samples were specified as tetragonal CeVO4 structure with particle sizes of 50–60 nm, 100–200 nm, 600–1000 nm and 800–1500 nm for 450, 500, 550, and 600°C calcination, respectively. In this research, CeVO4 nanoparticles with 450°C calcination showed the highest photocatalytic activity with •OH radical as the main active species involved in photodegradation of MB under black light irradiation.