Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of Nb2O5/V2O5 heterostructures

Reference	Presenter	Authors (Institution)	Abstract
05-014	Thaís Aparecida Rodrigues	Rodrigues, T.A.(Federal Institute of São Paulo); Mendonça, V.R.(Federal Institute of São Paulo); Duque, D.M.(Federal Institute of São Paulo);	Brazil is the largest producer of niobium-containing minerals in the world. However, government programs on its exploitation and commercialization are scarce, making clear the need for research about this metal, in accordance with national interests. An application of Nb compound is in heterogeneous photocatalysis with niobium oxide (Nb2O5). To enhance the photocatalytic properties of Nb2O5, heterostructure formation with a different semiconductor is a novel strategy. The main goal of this work was the synthesis of heterostructures containing Nb2O5 and V2O5, and the study of its photocatalytic properties. The synthesis method used was the OPM (Oxidant Peroxide Method) with subsequent hydrothermal treatment. Peroxocomplexes were prepared by adding the metals precursors (NH4[NbO(C2O4)2(H2O)2]nH2O and V2O5) in H2O2 solution in various proportions. The hydrothermal treatment was carried out for 4 h at 150 ° C. The powders obtained were tested against the degradation of the Methylene Blue dye under UV radiation. It was demonstrated that the materials composed of the two metals degraded more than the material containing only Nb, possibly due to heterojunction formed between the different semiconductors, which allowed the longer life of the photogenerated charges. The results demonstrate the applicability of the process in the search for materials of environmental interest.
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