Visible light photocatalytic activity of BiVO4 particles with different morphologies

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) particles with different morphologies were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal process and their optical and photocatalytic properties were investigated. Their crystal structure and microstructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). XRD patterns demonstrate that the as-prepared samples are monoclinic cell. FESEM shows that BiVO₄ crystals can be fabricated in different morphologies by simply manipulating the reaction parameters of hydrothermal process. The UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS) reveal that the band gaps of BiVO₄ photocatalysts are about 2.07–2.21 eV. The as-prepared BiVO₄ photocatalysts exhibit higher photocatalytic activities in the degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) compared with traditional N-doped TiO₂ (N-TiO₂). Furthermore, wheat like BiVO₄ sample reveals the highest photocatalytic activity. Up to 100% Rh B is decolorized after visible light irradiation for 180 min. The reason for the difference in the photocatalytic activities for BiVO₄ samples obtained at different conditions were systematically studied based on their shape, size and the variation of local structure.     

Nanocomposite of CeVO4/BiVO4 Loaded on Reduced Graphene Oxide for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange

A facile procedure, involving one-pot synthesis of CeVO₄/BiVO₄ and in-situ reduction of graphene oxide (GO), has been used to prepare CeVO₄/BiVO₄/rGO nanocomposites. Different ratios of the CeVO₄–BiVO₄ were prepared to afford composites represented as CBVG3, CBVG5, and CBVG7. The ternary nanocomposite materials were characterized by using powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), photoluminescence and UV–vis spectroscopic techniques. Photocatalytic efficiency of the as-prepared ternary nanocomposites was investigated through the photo degradation of methyl orange under a visible light irradiation at 470 nm. The photocatalytic performance was enhanced by loading the CeVO₄/BiVO₄ nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), given MO degradation rate of 57, 65, 80, and 90% for BVG, CBVG3, CBVG5, and CBVG7, respectively after exposure to visible light for 120 min. Effects of experimental process parameters including initial dye concentration, catalysts loading and effect of different modification regimes were studied using CBVG7, which exhibited the highest efficiency. The improvement in the photocatalytic efficiency may be attributed to increased surface area of the nanocomposites, enhanced light absorption capacity and improved charge separation. The study showed a one-pot synthesis route to prepare promising CeVO₄/BiVO₄/GO nanocomposites for the photo-enhanced degradation of dye contaminants.

     

Synthesis of BiVO4-GO-PVDF nanocomposite: An excellent,newly designed material for high photocatalytic activity towards organic dye degradation by tuning band gap energies

BiVO_4-GO-PVDF (PVDF = Polyvinylidene Difluoride) photocatalyst is successfully synthesized by ultrasonication method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Morphology of BiVO₄-GO-PVDF looks like a human embryo embedded inside an amniotic sac. Photocatalytic performance of BiVO₄-GO-PVDF for decolorization of methylene blue is investigated. BiVO₄-GO-PVDF system reveals enhanced photocatalytic activity degradation of methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RhB) & Safranin-O (SO) in water under visible light irradiation as compared to the pure BiVO₄ catalyst, BiVO₄ & PTFE decorated on the graphene sheet. The experimental result reveals that the covering of graphene sheets in this composite catalyst enhances photocatalytic performance under visible light. This enhanced activity is mainly attributed to effective quenching of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs confirmed by photoluminescence spectra. Trapping experiments of radicals and holes were conducted to detect reactive species generated in the photocatalytic system, experimental results revealed that direct hole oxidation reaction is obviously dominant during photocatalytic reactions on the BiVO₄-GO-PVDF system.     

Facile solvothermal synthesis of highly active monoclinic scheelite BiVO4 for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under white LED light irradiation

In this study, BiVO₄ was successfully synthesized via the solvothermal process using a solvent mixture of ethylene glycol and water under different synthesis conditions of temperature and pH. Physicochemical properties such as crystal phase, morphology, and optical absorption of the as-synthesized BiVO₄ samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and ultraviolet–visible diffraction reflection spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The XRD analysis showed that different synthesis conditions of temperature and pH significantly affected the growth of monoclinic BiVO₄ crystals oriented along (0 4 0) facets. Form SEM results, the synthesis conditions, including pH and temperature, have a great effect on the morphology of monoclinic structured BiVO₄. As the pH value increases in the range of 0–9 and temperature increases from 80 °C to 180 °C, the morphology of BiVO₄ changed from peanut-, rod-, and leaf-like shapes. The photocatalytic activities of as-synthesized BiVO₄ photocatalysts were evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under irradiation of white LED light. We have found that by using appropriate synthesis conditions (the synthesis temperature of 140 °C and the synthesis pH of 7) the BiVO₄ exhibited high photocatalytic efficiency for MB degradation (about 82.30% after 180 min of irradiation). This result is due to the development of the BiVO₄ crystals oriented along (0 4 0) facets with an increase in the intensity ratio of I_(0 4 0)/I_(1 2 1). The growth of BiVO₄ crystals oriented along (0 4 0) facets may be beneficial to enhance the photocatalytic activity of monoclinic scheelite BiVO₄.     

Preparation of BiVO4/MIL‐125(Ti) composite with enhanced visible‐light photocatalytic activity for dye degradation

Because of their desired features, including very specific surface areas and designable framework architecture together with their possibility to be functionalized, Metal Framework (MOF) is a promising platform for supporting varied materials in respect of catalytic applications in water treatment. In this work, a novel visible‐light‐responsive photocatalyst that comprised BiVO₄ together with MIL‐125(Ti), was synthesized by a two‐step hydrothermal approach. The characterization of as‐obtained samples as performed by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflection spectra. Rhodamine B was selected being a target for the evaluation of the photocatalytic function of as‐developed photocatalyst. The photocatalytic reaction parameters, for example, the content of BiVO₄ as well as initial concentration of Rhodamine B was researched. The composite photocatalyst possessing Bi:Ti molar ratio of 3:2 brought to light the fact that the greatest photocatalytic activity had the ability to degrade 92% of Rhodamine B in 180 min. In addition to that, the BiVO₄/MIL‐125(Ti) composite could keep its photocatalytic activity during the recycling test. The phenomenon of disintegration of the photo‐generated charges in the BiVO₄/MIL‐125(Ti) composite was brought to discussion as well.     

Fabrication of ternary dual Z-Scheme AgI/ZnIn2S4/BiVO4 heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under visible light

In this study, a novel ternary AgI/ZnIn₂S₄/BiVO₄(AZB) composite photocatalyst was successfully prepared by hydrothermal method and in-situ precipitation method. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS and so on, and the photocatalytic activity was evaluated through photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. When the molar ratio of Bi to Ag was 1:1, the degradation rate of TC can reach 91.44 % within 150 min. The AZB heterojunction demonstrated outstanding efficiency with the apparent reaction rate constants of 0.02118 min^?1 for TC removal, was 4.68, 3.27 and 3.27 times higher than that of pure BiVO₄, AgI and ZnIn₂S₄. Based on active species trapping experiments and ESR analysis, a dual Z-Scheme pathways among BiVO₄, AgI and ZnIn₂S₄ for effective separation of photogenerated charges was recommended. This work provided a promising insight for the design of ternary dual Z-scheme heterojunction with multilevel electron transfer to present greater photo-absorption, charge separation, and photodegradation for environmental decontamination.     

Nanostructured BiVO4 photocatalysts synthesized via a polymer-assisted coprecipitation method and their photocatalytic properties under visible-light irradiation

Nanostructured BiVO₄ photocatalysts were synthesized by a coprecipitation process in the presence of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), which acts as a steric stabilizer during the formation and growth of the BiVO₄ nanoparticles. Samples with different contents of CMC were prepared in order to study the effect of the polymer on the final morphology of the oxide. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET). The presence of CMC during the first stage of BiVO₄ synthesis, promoted the formation of granular particles controlling its morphology and favoring its dispersion. The BiVO₄ monoclinic polymorph (m-BiVO₄) was obtained free of the tetragonal crystalline form (t-BiVO₄) by annealing at different temperatures, which were influenced by CMC content: 400 °C (0.5 wt %), 450 °C (3.0 wt %), and 350 °C (6.0 and 9.0 wt %). BiVO₄ nanoparticles showed photocatalytic activity, as they bleached an aqueous solution of rhodamine B (rhB) under visible-light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of the BiVO₄ samples was directly correlated with the amount of CMC added during the synthesis process.     

纳米钒酸铋的微波快速合成及光催化性能研究

采用微波辅助加热法以NaVO₃溶液和Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O的硝酸溶液为反应物,在10～40 min内合成了纳米钒酸铋粉末。利用XRD、FTIR、TEM、UV-Vis等手段研究了反应时间对产物结构及形貌的影响。经测定反应10 min时,得到纯的四方相BiVO₄,随着反应时间的延长,逐渐出现单斜相的衍射峰,当反应40 min时,获得纯的单斜相BiVO₄。同时XRD和IR结果证明了相转变的过程。TEM分析表明不同的反应时间条件下样品呈现不同的形貌。不同反应时间下获得样品的光催化性能的结果表明,微波反应时间对BiVO₄结构的转变及光催化性能的改变起到了重要的作用。     

Morphology Engineering of BiVO4 with CoOx Derived from Cobalt-containing Polyoxometalate as Co-catalyst for Oxygen Evolution

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) as a metal oxidation semiconductor has stimulated extensive attention in the photocatalytic water splitting field. However, the poor transport ability and easy recombination of charge carriers limit photocatalytic water oxidation activity of pure BiVO₄. Herein, the photocatalytic activity of BiVO₄ is enhanced via adjusting its morphology and combination co-catalyst. First, the Cu-BiVO₄ was synthesized by copper doping to control the growth of {110} facet of BiVO₄, which is regarded for the separation of photo-generated charge carriers. Then the CoO_x in-situ generated from K₆[SiCo^II(H₂O)W₁₁O₃₉] ⋅ 16H₂O was photo-deposited on Cu-BiVO₄ surface as co-catalyst to speed up reaction kinetics. Cu-BiVO₄@CoO_x hybrid catalyst shows highest photocatalytic activity and best stability among all the prepared catalysts. Oxygen evolution is about 34.6 μmol in pH 4 acetic acid buffer under 420 nm LED irradiation, which is nearly 20 times higher than that of pure BiVO₄. Apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) in 1 h and O₂ yield are 1.83% and 23.1%, respectively. O₂ evolution amount nearly maintains the original value even after 5 cycles.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Visible-Light-Driven Dumbbell-Like BiVO4 and Ag/BiVO4 Photocatalysts

Visible-light-driven dumbbell-like BiVO₄ and Ag/BiVO₄ photocatalysts has been successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method at 180 °C for 24 h. The as-synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The results obtained showed that ethylenediamine, citric acid, pH and hydrothermal reaction temperature have pronounced effects on the morphology of BiVO₄. Transmission electron microscopy observation shows that the Ag nanoparticles are homogenously dispersed on the surface of the BiVO₄ nanorods. Photocatalytic activities of the dumbbell-like BiVO₄ and Ag-loaded BiVO₄ photocatalysts were also evaluated by using methylene blue as a representative dye indicator under visible light irradiation. It is found that the photocatalytic performance of the as-synthesized BiVO₄ is obviously improved with the incorporation of the Ag nanoparticles. Mechanism for the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of the Ag/BiVO₄ photocatalyst is also discussed.     

Simulated Sunlight-Driven Degradation of Rhodamine B by Porous Peanut-Like TiO2/BiVO4 Composite

Porous peanut-like TiO₂/BiVO₄ composite nanostructures were synthesized via a template-free hydrothermal process with bismuth nitrate, ammonium metavanadate and anatase TiO₂ as raw materials. The crystal structures, morphologies, and optical properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–visible absorption spectra. Simulated sun-light induced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B by porous peanut-like TiO₂/BiVO₄ nanostructures in the absence and presence of H₂O₂ has been investigated, and the results show these porous composite nanostructures with higher photocatalytic activity than pure BiVO₄ and anatase TiO₂. When TiO₂/BiVO₄ heterostructures were used as the photocatalysts under simulated sun-light irradiation, BiVO₄ could act as a sensitizer to absorb the visible light. Meanwhile, coupling different band-gap semiconductors of TiO₂ and BiVO₄, the compound facilitate separation of the photogenerated carriers under the internal field induced by the different electronic band structures of semiconductors.     

Synthesis and characterization of g-C3N4/BiVO4 composite photocatalysts with improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance

Novel visible-light-driven g-C₃N₄/BiVO₄ composite photocatalysts were fabricated via sol–gel and simple mixing and heating methods. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscope, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectra. The results indicated that BiVO₄ was well dispersed on g-C₃N₄ sheet and an interaction between g-C₃N₄ and BiVO₄ was confirmed, which were facile to the electron transfer from g-C₃N₄ to BiVO₄ species. The mechanism was further induced to the heterojunction effect to improve the photocatalytic efficiency. The g-C₃N₄/BiVO₄ heterojunction at a weight ratio of 80 % calcined at 500 °C exhibited the most excellent photocatalytic ability for RhB decolorization under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) which was extraordinary more active than that of pure components.     

Hydrothermal Preparation and Characterization of TiO2/BiVO4 Composite Catalyst and its Photolysis of Water to Produce Hydrogen

In the present work, bismuth vanadate composited photocatalysts were synthesized and characterized. X‐ray diffractometry and Raman results showed that the particles were well crystallized, and formed by the complex of monoclinic BiVO₄ and TiO₂. On electron microscopy, the photocatalyst exhibited high crystallization, agglutination and irregular shape, and was surrounded by numerous TiO₂ particles. The study of surface areas showed that the specific surface area of 30‐BiVO₄/TiO₂ composited was 112 m²·g^?1, which was nearly 10 times that of pure BiVO₄. The ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectra indicated the composited photocatalyst were activated in visible light. The activity of photocatalytic water splitting was studied. The results showed that monomer BiVO₄ photocatalyst was not able to produce hydrogen under any light source. BiVO₄/TiO₂ composited photocatalysts, however, were capable of generating hydrogen. Under UV light irradiation for 120 min, 1 g catalyst dispersed in 50 mL deionized water produced almost 1 mL hydrogen, such that the productivity of hydrogen was higher than that of P25‐TiO₂. Photocatalytic decomposition of water under visible light also confirmed that the BiVO₄/TiO₂ composited photocatalyst had the ability of water splitting.     

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic application of H3PW12O40/BiVO4 composite photocatalyst

A series of H3PW12O40/BiVO4 composite with different H3PW12O40 loadings were prepared using a hydrothermal and impregnation method. The prepared composites were characterized by XRD, Raman, SEM, XPS, and DRS techniques. The bandgap of the composite was narrower compared with the as-prepared pure BiVO4 . As a novel photocatalytic material, the photocatalytic performance of the H3PW12O40/BiVO4 composite was investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye solution under visible light irradiation and compared with that of pure BiVO4 . The results revealed that the introduction of H3PW12O40 could improve the photocatalytic performance and different concentrations of H3PW12O40 resulted in different photocatalytic activities. The highest activity was obtained by the sample with a loading HPW concentration of 10 wt%. The reason for the enhanced photocatalytic activities of H3PW12O40/BiVO4 samples was also discussed in this paper. Moreover, the H3PW12O40/BiVO4 composites retained the catalytic activity after four repeated experiments.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activities of BiVO4 by Carbon Adsorption Hydrothermal Method

A new idea of prepared method for BiVO₄ nano-powders hydrothermal synthesis process was developed to avert the existent shortcomings of hydrothermal method. The thermal stability, phase structure, light absorption property, and morphology of the catalyst prepared were characterized by thermogravimetric analyzer (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer (UV/Vis), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Using methyl orange (MO) as the target degradation material and a 500-W dysprosium lamp as the visible light source to investigate photocatalytic performance of BiVO₄. We successfully prepared BiVO₄ powders with small particle size, less agglomeration and uniform distribution by carbon adsorption hydrothermal method, and the absorption wavelength of light was red-shifted, these all rendered the absorption capacity of visible light region enhancing with 94 % high photocatalytic degradation rate of methyl orange at 60 min. And the possible mechanism was also discussed in this study.     

Synergic effect of Type II ZnO/BiVO4 magnetic heterostructures for visible light-driven degradation of bisphenol A and methyl violet

Construction of an effective heterojunction for unimpeded flow of photogenerated charges and their prolonged separation is imperative for environmental photocatalysis. Herein, we have designed an efficient magnetic ZnO/BiVO₄ type-II heterostructure, which was employed for proficient degradation of persistent methyl violet dye with an efficiency of 97.6% in 90 min and a hazardous organic pollutant, namely, bisphenol A. UV-DRS and photoluminescence studies demonstrated that the fabricated nanocomposite exhibited effective light absorption and prolonged charge separation, thereby resulting in high photocatalytic efficacy under visible light irradiation. The efficacy of developed magnetic ZnO/BiVO₄ was also compared with pristine BiVO₄ and undoped magnetic ZnO, which indicated that the constructed heterostructure displayed approximately threefold and sixfold activity in contrast with bare BiVO₄ and undoped magnetic ZnO nanoparticles, respectively. Radical trapping studies, ESR analysis along with GC-MS analysis were conducted to elucidate the mechanistic pathway during the photodegradation process. This work provides a rational technical approach and research ideas for photocatalytic degradation of harmful organic pollutants in an environment-friendly manner by employing energy-efficient LEDs. Besides, good recyclability of catalyst makes it a promising candidate for large-scale applications.     

Comparison study of BiVO4 heterojunctions photocatalyst with different carbon materials

MWCNT/BiVO₄ and RGO/BiVO₄ heterojunctions were synthesized by the sol–gel method, and the photocatalytic activity of MWCNT/BiVO₄ and RGO/BiVO₄ were evaluated by monitoring the degradation of RhB in a heterogeneous photocatalytic reactor. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated that a series of heterojunction structure composites were successfully synthesized, the heterojunction structure playing a crucial role in the electron–hole recombination. The crystal structure of BiVO₄ was still monoclinic after the doping of MWCNT and RGO according to the XRD analysis, while the active sites of MWCNT/BiVO₄ and RGO/BiVO₄ were more than pure BiVO₄. The RGO with a two-dimensional carbon sheet expressed higher performance than MWCNT with a one-dimensional carbon sheet for BiVO₄ because the layered structure of the RGO had a stronger electron-trapping capability than MWCNT. The optimal MWCNT content was 2%, and the 6% RGO/BiVO₄ showed the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency of RhB. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency remained above 80% after five cycle tests.

     

Green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4/Ag ternary nanohybrid and its application as magnetically recoverable catalyst in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol

Materials having both magnetic and catalytic properties have shown great potential for practical applications. Here, a reduced graphene oxide/iron oxide/silver nanohybrid (rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH) ternary material was prepared by green synthesis of Ag on pre‐synthesized rGO/Fe₃O₄. The as‐prepared rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. rGO sheets were covered with Fe₃O₄ (8–16 nm) and Ag (18–40 nm) nanoparticles at high densities. The mass percentages were 13.47% (rGO), 62.52% (Fe₃O₄) and 24.01% (Ag). rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH exhibited superparamagnetic behavior with high saturated magnetization (29 emu g⁻¹ at 12 kOe), and efficiently catalyzed the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) with a rate constant of 0.37 min⁻¹, comparable to those of Ag‐based nanocatalysts. The half‐life of 4‐NP in the presence of rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH was ca 1.86 min. rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH could be magnetically collected and reused, and retained a high conversion efficiency of 94.4% after the fourth cycle. rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH could potentially be used as a magnetically recoverable catalyst in the reduction of 4‐NP and environmental remediation.     

Facile preparation of BiVO4 thin film by screen-printing technique for its photocatalytic performance in the degradation of tetracycline under simulated sunlight irradiation

BiVO₄ films were prepared by a screen-printing technique on Corning glass substrate. The material employed to prepare the films was synthetized by the hydrothermal method. For comparative purposes, the BiVO₄ was synthesized via solid state reaction and deposited in film form by the same technique. From the X-ray diffraction structural characterization it has been stated that BiVO₄ films crystallized in the monoclinic structure. The characterization of BiVO₄ films was complemented with scanning electron microscopy, which revealed a morphology of irregular form and dendritic type depending on the starting material. The thickness of the BiVO₄ films were determined by profilometry. The film obtained from the hydrothermal method showed minor photoluminescence, i.e., the sample showed low recombination of electron–hole pairs. The highest photocatalytic activity in the degradation of tetracycline (TC) was presented for the BiVO₄ films obtained from hydrothermal powders under simulated sunlight irradiation; attributed mainly to the surface area value, smaller particle size and lower recombination of electron–hole pairs. Mineralization degree of TC by BiVO₄ films was determined by the total organic carbon analysis, reaching 50% after 24 h of irradiation. The main oxidizing species that was most influenced in the degradation of TC was the hydroxyl radical (OH^·).

     

Photocatalytic Degradation of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Waste Using BiVO4 Based Catalysts

Disposal of palm oil mill effluent (POME), which is highly polluting from the palm oil industry, needs to be handled properly to minimize the harmful impact on the surrounding environment. Photocatalytic technology is one of the advanced technologies that can be developed due to its low operating costs, as well as being sustainable, renewable, and environmentally friendly. This paper reports on the photocatalytic degradation of palm oil mill effluent (POME) using a BiVO₄ photocatalyst under UV-visible light irradiation. BiVO₄ photocatalysts were synthesized via sol-gel method and their physical and chemical properties were characterized using several characterization tools including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), surface area analysis using the BET method, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The effect of calcination temperature on the properties and photocatalytic performance for POME degradation using BiVO₄ photocatalyst was also studied. XRD characterization data show a phase transformation of BiVO₄ from tetragonal to monoclinic phase at a temperature of 450 °C (BV-450). The defect site comprising of vanadium vacancy (V_v) was generated through calcination under air and maxima at the BV-450 sample and proposed as the origin of the highest reaction rate constant (k) of photocatalytic POME removal among various calcination temperature treatments with a k value of 1.04 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹. These findings provide design guidelines to develop efficient BiVO₄-based photocatalyst through defect engineering for potential scalable photocatalytic organic pollutant degradation.