Synthesis of PbMoO4 nanoparticles by microwave-assisted hydrothermal process and their photocatalytic activity

Lead molybdate (PbMoO4) was successfully synthesized using a microwave-assisted method and characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, PL and DRS. We also investigated the photocatalytic activity of these materials for the decomposition of Rhodamin B under UV-light irradiation. The XRD and Raman results revealed the successful synthesis of 42-52 nm, well-crystallized PbMoO4 crystals with the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The PbMoO4 catalysts prepared using the microwave-assisted process enhanced the photocatalytic activity compared to that prepared by hydrothermal method and the catalysts prepared at a solution pH = 11 and temperature of 105 degrees C showed the highest photocatalytic activity. The PL peaks appeared at about 540 nm for all catalysts and the excitonic PL signal was proportional to the photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of Rhodamin B.