Formation of one-dimensional CeVO4 nanobelts as an enhanced photoelectrocatalyst and density functional study

The rationally designed one-dimensional (1D) porous CeVO4 nanobelts have been prepared by electrospinning process and the band structure and density of states are simulated by DFT method. As an excellent photocatalyst for visible light degradation of methylene blue (MB) solution, 1D porous CeVO4 nanobelts possess the stable crystal structure, which contributes to the enhanced photocatalytic stability. Accordingly, the 1D belt structures are beneficial to promoting the separation and migration of charge carriers, reducing diffusion length, and providing rich catalytically active sites for photoeletrochemical reactions. Benefiting from these structural and compositional features, CeVO4 nanobelts exhibit the excellent photocatalytic performance and recycling ability, compared with individual CeVO4 powders upon simulated sunlight irradiation. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.