SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BISMUTH VANADATE FOR WATER SPLITTING AND DEGRADATION OF THE ORGANIC MOLECULES

Abstract

In recent years, has increased research involving the development of technologies for energy production and environmental protection. In this case, photoelectrochemical systems appear as promising for the water splitting technology, with a high potential for solar energy conversion and storage. Furthermore, the removal of organic pollutants from aquatic environments may also be possible by use of these systems. Nanostructured films of mixed oxides of vanadium have excellent photocatalytic properties with energy visible light irradiations. Research has shown that the efficiency of photocatalytic materials depends on the synthesis conditions. Thus, this project proposes the synthesis, characterization and application of nanostructured films of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) pure and doped with Co, Mo and W for water splitting and degradation of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A. The synthesis of these films will be based the use of polyethyleneglycol and films will be formed on the surface of ITO, FTO or Ti. Parameters to be evaluated in the synthesis of the films: temperature, number of layers, concentration of precursors and dopants. This study will be conducted by means of experimental design. The characterization of the films will be made by the techniques of scanning electron microscopy, transmission and atomic force, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, infrared and photoelectron. The cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, capacitance measurements, photocurrent spectroscopy of the modulated intensity and modulated potential also will be applied. Therefore, it is waiting to improve the performance of this material to obtain higher yields in water splitting and degradation of bisphenol A.