Understanding Reaction Kinetics by Tailoring Metal Co-catalysts of the BiVO(4) Photocatalyst

[Image: see text] In this study, the reaction mechanisms of metal–semiconductor composites used as photocatalysts were demonstrated by first preparing bismuth vanadate (BiVO(4)) and then performing photodeposition of metal nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of metal–BiVO(4) (M–BiVO(4), where M = Pt, Au, Ag) composites were evaluated through dye decomposition under UV–vis irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiency was significantly enhanced after Pt deposition as compared to other M–BiVO(4) composites. The size or shape of BiVO(4) was not the main factor for the efficiency of Pt–BiVO(4). However, a deposited Pt co-catalyst was essential for the photocatalytic decomposition of dye on the BiVO(4) surface. Radical scavengers were employed to elucidate the reaction mechanism during the photocatalytic reaction with the Pt–BiVO(4) composite. This study provides details on the reaction mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction on Pt at the BiVO(4) surface under solar irradiation.