Effect of transition metal doping on the photocatalytic properties of FeVO4 nanoparticles

Undoped FeVO4 and FeVO4:M(2%) (where M = Mn2+, Ti4+ and Zn2+) nanostructures have been synthesized using a simple sonochemical method. The transition metal ions have been chosen as dopants to modify the electronic band structure which can lead to better exploitation of FeVO4 as a photocatalyst material. The samples have been characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Morphology and surface area of the samples has been elucidated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. Diffuse reflectance UV visible measurements confirm that the materials have their band gaps in the visible region. The photocatalytic activity of all the samples has been studied under UV and visible irradiation using model dye pollutants like methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) solutions. Attempt has been made to discuss the photocatalytic degradation mechanism by performing trapping experiments using various scavengers. Moreover, the reusability of the material has also been tested and it has been found to have a good recycling potential.