Catalytic Activity of Biomorphic α-MoO(3) in the Degradation of Methyl Violet Dye.

A network of fibers comprising orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO(3)) crystals were synthesized using paper as template via a biomorphic approach. The template was completely removed by annealing the sample at 600°C for 5 min. Monoclinic MoO(3) was formed and consequently converted into orthorhombic α-MoO(3) after prolonged annealing. Three milligrams of the biomorphic α-MoO(3) could degrade up to 90% of a methyl violet aqueous solution with a concentration of 20 mg/L under normal visible light. The size of the α-MoO(3) grains and the porosity of the biomorphic sample affected catalytic performance.