Zn3V2O7(OH)2(H2O)2 and Zn3V2O8 nanostructures: controlled fabrication and photocatalytic performance

Floriated like and nanobelt nanostructures of Zn3V2O7(OH)2(H2O)2 were successfully synthesized by a template-free hydrothermal route. The as-prepared floriated nanostructures were composed of 2D nanosheets, which intercrossed with each other through self-assembly. The influence of the hydrothermal temperature on the morphology and photocatalytic activities of products was systematically investigated. Significantly, this is the first time that Zn3V2O7(OH)2(H2O)2 was used as a photocatalyst for organic pollutant degradation under UV light irradiation. Moreover, Zn3V2O8 with porous nanostructures could be formed viacalcination of the corresponding Zn3V2O7(OH)2(H2O)2. It was found that the Zn3V2O8 nanostructure still possessed floriated like morphology and the pore sizes within the floriated were about 4 nm. All these characteristics were beneficial for the improvement of photocatalytic activity. The reaction constant (k) of the best quality Zn3V2O8 nanostructure was three times that of the sample prepared by solid-state reaction under visible-light irradiation.