Preparation of photocatalysts based on bismuth niobate (BiNbO4) nanostructures through microwave assisted routes
Bismuth Niobate is part of a group of materials that can act as photocatalysts sensitive to visible radiation due to its low band-gap energy and adequate physicochemical properties. The photocatalytic activity is dependent on the morphology and crystalline structure of the catalyst, and the control of these properties depends on the conditions employed during its synthesis.
However, the establishment of synthesis protocols requires a series of trial and error experiments that consume time and energy. In this context microwave-assisted synthesis methodologies emerge as a viable alternative, as they have numerous advantages, such as; homogeneous heating, shorter reaction time, higher yield of the obtained product and greater selectivity of the obtained product, besides narrow particle size distribution.
This project aims to establish microwave assisted synthesis protocols of bismuth niobate nanostructures with controlled morphology and crystal structure. The photocatalytic response will be increased by the incorporation of Ag plasmonic nanoparticles. The obtained materials will be applied in the model dye photodegradation under simulated sunlight irradiation