Characterization of BiVO4 Modified TiO2 and its Application in the Water Treatment

Pure drinking water is a fundamental right of living systems. However, water contamination is a significant problem in many regions. There are several methodologies for the degradation of pollutants. Among which photocatalytic oxidation/degradation of the pollutants has been considered as an environmentally friendly and low-cost methodology in the realm of water treatment. The anatase Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been known as an excellent material for the oxidation of the heavy metals from the potable water. Nevertheless, it absorbs in the UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Moreover, at this moment, the incorporation of the Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) into the anatase system, we are improving the properties of the TiO₂ so that the modified TiO₂ can have a better performance in the whole spectral regions. The Sol-gel technique has used for the synthesis of the modified TiO₂, and its properties have been studied using Xray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman, Bandgap analysis, and BET (Braunner-Emmet-Teller) surface area measurement. Moreover, it is used for some preliminary tests for the removal of Arsenic total from water samples and also tested the effect of organic compounds and microorganisms present in water on the Arsenic removal.