Characterization of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanoparticle prepared by solvothermal method

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanoparticle was prepared by solvothermal method. The starting precursors were used as bismuth nitrate pentahydrate (Bi(NO3)(3)center dot 5H(2)O), ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) and absolute ethanol (C2H5OH). Solution I: Bi(NO3)(3)center dot 5H(2)O was dissolved in 2.0M nitric acid (HNO3) and absolute ethanol (C2H5OH). Solution II: NH4VO3 was dissolved in 2.0M ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and absolute ethanol (C2H5OH). The mixed solutions were stirred for 5min and left into Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave treatment at 200 degrees C for 3 and 5h. The yellow final solution was filtered and dried at 100 degrees C for 24h. All BiVO4 nanoparticle samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR).