Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic properties of InVO4 nanoparticles

Nanosized InVO4 with orthorhombic structure was successfully synthesized at a relatively low calcination temperature of 600 °C by using an amorphous heteronuclear complex as precursor. The photocatalytic activity of InVO4 catalyst has been evaluated by the decomposition of formaldehyde (FAD) under UV light (image) and visible light irradiation (image). The as-synthesized InVO4 catalyst showed higher photocatalytic activity for the FAD decomposition compared to the sample prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. The calculations of the electronic band structures indicated that the valence band was composed of the O 2p orbitals, whereas the conduction band was formed by the V 3d orbitals with a small contribution of the In 5s orbitals. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared sample is discussed on the basis of the electronic band structure and bulk material structure.