One-Step Formation of CoV2O6 Nanostructure and its Photocatalytic Activity

A one-step thermal decomposition method was proposed for the synthesis of cobalt vanadate (CoV2O6) nanostructures using ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) and cobalt acetate [Co(CH3COO)2·4H2O] as precursors. No solvents and additional chemicals were used in this synthesis method. The as-prepared CoV2O6 nanostructure was characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic techniques. These techniques determined the crystallinity, crystal structure and metal-oxygen (V-O and Co-O) bonds of CoV2O6 nanostructure. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopic study infers the characteristic electronic transitions and band-gap energy of CoV2O6 nanostructure. The electron microscopic investigations affirmed the formation of nanostructured particles. All studies concluded the formation of CoV2O6 nanostructure. The photocatalytic ability of CoV2O6 nanostructure in the degradation (decolourization) of methylene blue, sunset yellow and brilliant blue dyes in presence of visible light and hydrogen peroxide was evaluated. The CoV2O6 nanostructure showed a maximum efficiency towards a methylene blue degradation reaction.