Preparation of Different BiVO4 Catalysts and Their Photocatalytic Performance in the Coupling Reaction Between Alcohols and Amines

Photocatalysts BiVO4 were prepared by three different methods and applied to the synthesis of imines under visible light irradiation. Multiple characterization methods, including XRD, SEM, TEM, UV–Vis, FL and BET were applied to analyze the crystal types, morphologies, optical and charge separated properties and specific surface areas of these catalysts. The catalytic performance of these catalysts was measured. The relationship between the morphology, crystal type and photocatalytic performance of the BiVO4 was explored. The results showed that the ms-BiVO4 (prepared by DMF method) with decahedron structure had the best visible light absorption capacity and the largest specific surface area, which had the best conversion rate (~ 64.2%) in the synthesis of imine. The photostability of the catalyst was verified by cyclic experiments. A capture experiment verified that the reaction was mainly completed through the synergistic action of h+, e− and ·O2−.