Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of α–MoO₃ particles utilizing different polyol monomers under visible light irradiation

Distinct chemical structures of polyol monomers such as ethylene glycol (EG), 1,2-pentandiol (1,2-P), 1,3-butandiol (1,3-B), 1,4-butandiol (1,4-B), and tripropylene glycol (TPG) obtained from different morphologies and sizes of molybdenum oxide (MoO₃) particles were investigated. Because of the polyol monomers having different redox potentials and chemical structures, they produce various oxidation characteristics and steric hindrances. Experimental results showed that the highest number of precipitates occurred when 50 ml of polyol monomers were combined with 250 ml of 0.1 M ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate at a reaction temperature of 100 °C for 1 h. The precipitates were heated at 300 °C for 1 h to form orthorhombic α–MoO₃ particles as demonstrated by X-Ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and transmission electron microscopy. When MoO₃ particles are prepared using a 1,4-butandiol monomer and subjected to heating at 300 °C, which form the smallest, rice-shaped particles (100–200 nm) they tend to have the best photocatalytic activity potential for degrading methylene blue under visible light irradiation. - Highlights: • The different polyol monomers have different oxidation characteristics. • The different polyol monomers manufactured different particle sizes of MoO₃. • The MoO₃ particles prepared using 1,4-butandiol form the smallest particles. • The particles have the best photocatalytic activity by prepared using 1,4-butandiol.