Effects of the solvent on the structure, morphology and photocatalytic properties of Bi2MoO6 in the solvothermal process

Visible-light-driven photocatalyst Bi2MoO6 was prepared by a solvothermal process with different kinds of solvent including water, isopropanol and ethylene glycol. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction technique, N2-sorption, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed that the type of solvent has a strong influence on the morphologies and physico-chemical properties of Bi2MoO6. Meanwhile, the formation mechanism of Bi2MoO6 with various morphologies was discussed. The photocatalytic activities of Bi2MoO6 photocatalysts were evaluated by the decomposition of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). It was found that the sample prepared with glycol as solvent showed the best performance in the photodegradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. This could be ascribed to the large surface area, unique morphology and small particle size.