Electronic structure and optical properties of monoclinic clinobisvanite BiVO4

Monoclinic clinobisvanite bismuth vanadate is an important material with wide applications. However, its electronic structure and optical properties are still not thoroughly understood. Density functional theory calculations were adopted in the present work, to comprehend the band structure, density of states, and projected wave function of BiVO 4 . In particular, we put more emphasis upon the intrinsic relationship between its structure and properties. Based on the calculated results, its molecular-orbital bonding structure was proposed. And a significant phenomenon of optical anisotropy was observed in the visible-light region. Furthermore, it was found that its slightly distorted crystal structure enhances the lone-pair impact of Bi 6s states, leading to the special optical properties and excellent photocatalytic activities. The slight distortion of crystal structure in BiVO 4 determines not only its electronic structure, but also its special optical properties.