ZnMn2O4‐BiVO4 as Photocatalyst for Degradation of Gaseous HCHO Using Daylight

Abstract Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a common indoor air pollutant. Due to its proven carcinogenicity, reducing indoor HCHO levels is a significant issue. In this study, a composite material consisting of zinc manganese oxide and BiVO 4 was used as a photocatalyst for HCHO degradation. ZnMn 2 O 4 ‐BiVO 4 has efficient photocatalytic performance, wide application areas, high stability, and low‐cost advantages, making the substance a potentially useful photocatalyst that can be applied in fields such as energy conversion and environmental protection. BiVO 4 was prepared by a hydrothermal method. It was further compounded with zinc manganese oxide to form composite as catalysts of different wt % ratios for photodegradation of HCHO using a fluorescent lamp as light source. The samples were characterized by using XRD, UV‐visible spectrometer, TEM, SEM, and photoluminescence spectrometry. The experimental data showed that 5.0 wt % zinc manganese oxide‐BiVO 4 as catalyst had the highest HCHO degradation rate. The release of carbon dioxide and water increased the irradiation time. The degradation rate of HCHO was higher than that achieved with commercially available titanium oxide. The highest HCHO degradation rate was 66 % within 4 h.