Calcium germanate nanowires by vanadium doping with improved photocatalytic activity

Vanadium-doped calcium germanate nanowires were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The samples were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and solid UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum. The photocatalytic activity of the vanadium-doped calcium germanate nanowires was investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under solar light irradiation. The results show that the vanadium-doped calcium germanate nanowires are composed of rhombohedral Ca3GeO5 and orthorhombic CaV3O7 phases. The nanowires have the diameter and length of 50-200nm and several dozens of micrometres, respectively. The band gap of the vanadium-doped calcium germanate nanowires strongly depends on the vanadium doping mass percentage. The absorption spectrum can be broadened to visible light region. The photocatalytic activity of the vanadium-doped calcium germanate nanowires is remarkably improved. Vanadium-doped calcium germanate nanowires with the vanadium doping mass percentage of 10% have the highest photocatalytic activity for MB degradation under solar light irradiation.