Samarium and Nitrogen Co‐Doped Bi2WO6 Photocatalysts: Synergistic Effect of Sm3+/Sm2+ Redox Centers and N‐Doped Level for Enhancing Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity

Samarium and nitrogen co‐doped Bi₂WO₆ nanosheets were successfully synthesized by using a hydrothermal method. The crystal structures, morphology, elemental compositions, and optical properties of the prepared samples were investigated. The incorporation of samarium and nitrogen ions into Bi₂WO₆ was proved by X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicated that the samarium and nitrogen co‐doped Bi₂WO₆ possessed strong visible‐light absorption. Remarkably, the samarium and nitrogen co‐doped Bi₂WO₆ exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than single‐doped and pure Bi₂WO₆ under visible‐light irradiation. Radical trapping experiments indicated that holes (h⁺) and superoxide radicals ( ^. O₂^?) were the main active species. The results of photoluminescence spectroscopy and photocurrent measurements demonstrated that the recombination rate of the photogenerated electrons and holes pairs was greatly depressed. The enhanced activity was attributed to the synergistic effect of the in‐built Sm³⁺/Sm²⁺ redox pair centers and the N‐doped level. The mechanism of the excellent photocatalytic activity of Sm‐N‐Bi₂WO₆ is also discussed.     

Synthesis of Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 Composite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity by a Facile One‐step Hydrothermal Synthesis Route

In this study, the characterization and photocatalytic activity of Bi₂WO₆/Bi₂O₃ under visible‐light irradiation was investigated in detail. The results suggested that Bi₂WO₆/Bi₂O₃ can be synthesized by a facile one‐pot hydrothermal route using a super big 200 mL Teflon‐lined autoclave with optimal sodium oleate/Bi molar ratio of 1.25. Through the characterization of Bi₂WO₆/Bi₂O₃ by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectra and Photoluminescence spectra, it was found that the as‐prepared composite possessed smaller crystallite size and higher visible‐light responsive than the pure Bi₂WO₆. Moreover, it was expected that the as‐prepared composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible‐light irradiation, which could be ascribed to their improved light absorption property and the reduced recombination of the photogenerated electrons and holes during the photocatalytic reaction. In general, this study could provide a principle method to synthesize Bi₂WO₆/Bi₂O₃ with enhanced photocatalytic activity by one‐step hydrothermal synthesis route for environmental purification.     

Preparation and photocatalytic performance research of Bi2WO6/UiO-66-NH2 composite

Bi₂WO₆/UiO-66-NH₂ photocatalysts were fabricated through solvothermal method using acetic acid as template. The photocatalytic performance of as-fabricated composites was highly improved under simulated visible light due to the addition of UiO-66-NH₂. The structural and chemical properties of the composites were characterized through FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, BET, UV–vis DRS and PL. After 90 min of visible light irradiation, the RhB at an initial concentration of 10 mg·L^?1 in the solution was degraded by 99.4% due to the addition of 10 mg of the composite. There was no significant decrease in the photocatalytic activity even after four rounds of cycles. The free radical capture experiments indicate that the photogenerated holes (h⁺) were the main active sites. The possible photocatalytic degradation mechanism was proposed as the specific surface area of the composite was enlarged due to the uniform distribution of UiO-66-NH₂ on the surface of Bi₂WO₆. The electron–hole pairs recombination rate was decreased due to the photogenerated electrons (e^?) on the CB of Bi₂WO₆ which can be rapidly transferred to the CB of UiO-66-NH₂ and the photogenerated holes of UiO-66-NH₂ transferred to the VB of Bi₂WO₆. Meanwhile, the RhB was directly oxidized to H₂O and CO₂ by h⁺ to achieve the purification effect.

     

Flower-like Bi2WO6/ZnO composite with excellent photocatalytic capability under visible light irradiation

The photocatalytic ability of ZnO is improved through the addition of flower-like Bi₂WO₆ to prepare a Bi₂WO₆/ZnO composite with visible light activity. The composite is characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms. After modification, the band gap energy of Bi₂WO₆/ZnO is reduced from 3.2 eV for ZnO to 2.6 eV. Under visible light irradiation, the Bi₂WO₆/ZnO composite shows an excellent photocatalytic activity for degrading methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline. The photo-degradation efficiencies of (0.3:1) Bi₂WO₆/ZnO for MB and tetracycline are approximately 246 and 4500 times higher than those of bare ZnO, respectively, and correspondingly, the photo-degradation rates for the two pollutants are approximately 120 and 200 times higher than those with bare ZnO, respectively. Moreover, the photocatalyst of (0.3:1) Bi₂WO₆/ZnO exhibits a higher transient photocurrent density of approximately 4.5 μA compared with those of bare Bi₂WO₆ and ZnO nanoparticles. The successful recombination of Bi₂WO₆ and ZnO enhances the photocatalytic activity and reduces the band gap energy of ZnO, which can be attributed to the effective separation of electron–hole pairs. Active species trapping experiments display that [O₂]^? is the major species involved during photocatalysis rather than ?OH and h⁺. This study provides insight into designing a meaningful visible-light-driven photocatalyst for environmental remediation.     

CeO2/Bi2WO6 Heterostructured Microsphere with Excellent Visible‐light‐driven Photocatalytic Performance for Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride

CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ heterostructured microsphere with excellent and stable photocatalytic activity for degradation tetracyclines was successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. The photocatalytic experiments indicated that CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ heterostructured microspheres exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure Bi₂WO₆ in both the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and rhodamine B (RhB) under visible‐light irradiation. The 1CeO₂/2Bi₂WO₆ exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for degradation of TCH, reaching 91% after 60 min reaction. The results suggested that the particular morphological conformation of the microspheres resulted in smaller size and more uniform morphology so as to increase the specific surface area. Meanwhile, the heterojunction was formed by coupling CeO₂ and Bi₂WO₆ in the as‐prepared microspheres, so that the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes was dramatically improved and the lifetimes of charge carriers were prolonged. Hence, introduction of CeO₂ could significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ heterostructured microspheres and facilitate the degradation of TCH. This work provided not only a principle method to synthesize CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ with the excellent photocatalytic performance for actual produce, but also a excellent property of the photocatalyst for potential application in photocatalytic treatment of tetracyclines wastewater from pharmaceutical factory.     

BiOI/Bi2WO6对甲基橙和苯酚的光催化降解及光催化机理

采用简单的沉积方法制备了不同碘化氧铋含量的BiOI/Bi₂WO₆光催化剂,通过X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、高分辨透射电子显微镜(HR-TEM)、紫外-可见漫反射光谱(UV-VisDRS)和BET比表面积测量对其进行了表征。在紫外和可见光的照射下,使用甲基橙和苯酚的光催化降解评价了BiOI/Bi₂WO₆催化剂的光催化性能。结果表明：与商业P₂₅和纯Bi₂WO₆相比,13.2%BiOI/Bi₂WO₆光催化剂具有更高的紫外和可见光催化性能。这明显增加的光催化活性主要归功于光生电子和空穴在Bi₂WO₆和BiOI界面上的有效转移,降低了电子-空穴对的复合。基于BiOI和Bi₂WO₆的能带结构,提出了光生载流子的一种转移过程。自由基清除剂的实验表明,OH,h⁺,O₂和H₂O₂,特别是h⁺,共同支配了甲基橙和苯酚的光催化降解过程。     

Visible-light-driven heterostructure Ag/Bi2WO6 nanocomposites synthesized by photodeposition method and used for photodegradation of rhodamine B dye

Visible-light-driven heterostructure Ag/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites were prepared by transforming Ag⁺ ions into metallic Ag⁰ nanoparticles loaded on top of Bi₂WO₆ nanoplates under visible light irradiation for 1 h. XRD, XPS, SEM and TEM analyses indicated that spherical metallic Ag nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on top of orthorhombic Bi₂WO₆ thin nanoplates. Rhodamine B (RhB) was used as a dye model for investigation of photocatalytic performance of Bi₂WO₆ nanoplates with different weight contents of Ag nanoparticles illuminated by visible radiation. In this research, 10% Ag/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites have the highest photocatalytic activity in the degradation of RhB at 94.21% within 210 min because of the rapid diffusion of electronic charge through the Schottky barrier between metallic Ag nanoparticles and Bi₂WO₆ thin nanoplates, good electrical conductivity of metallic Ag nanoparticles, inhibited recombination of charge carriers and enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites. Main active species of the photocatalysis and stability of the photocatalyst were also evaluated.

     

One-step hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical Ag/Bi2WO6 composites: In situ growth monitoring and photocatalytic activity studies

Hierarchical Ag/Bi₂WO₆ nanomaterials were prepared by a facile one-step hydrothermal method in mixed acetic acid and ethylene glycol (EG) medium. EG is employed as mild reducing agent for the formation of metallic Ag from Ag⁺ precursors. In situ energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD) monitoring showed that the hydrothermal formation kinetics of Bi₂WO₆ in the presence of EG was significantly slowed down due to its very high viscosity. The photocatalytic activities of Ag/Bi₂WO₆ composites were evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of Bi₂WO₆ is strongly influenced by the Ag loading. The enhanced catalytic activity of the composites is based on the cooperative effects of plasmon absorption band and separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs.     

The effects of solvent on photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterojunction under visible light irradiation

Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ heterojunction photocatalysts with two different microstructures were controllably fabricated via a facile two-step synthetic route. XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET-surface, DRS, PL spectra, photoelectrochemical measurement (Mott-Schottky), and zeta-potential analyzer were employed to clarify structural and morphological characteristics of the obtained products. The results showed that Bi₂WO₆ nanoparticles/nanosheets grew on the primary TiO₂ nanorods. The TiO₂ nanorods used as a synthetic template inhibit the growth of Bi₂WO₆ crystals along the c-axis, resulting in Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ heterostructure with one-dimensional (1D) morphology. The photocatalytic properties of Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ heterojunction photocatalysts were strongly dependent on their shapes and structures. Compared with bare Bi₂WO₆ and TiO₂, Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ composite have stronger adsorption ability and better visible light photocatalytic activities towards organic dyes. The Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ composite prepared in EG solvent with optimal Bi:Ti ratio of 2:12 (S-TB2) showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which could totally decompose Rhodamine B within 10 min upon irradiation with visible light (λ > 422 nm), and retained the high photocatalytic performance after five recycles, confirming its stability and practical usability. The results of PL indicated that Bi₂WO₆ and TiO₂ could combine well to form a heterojunction structure which facilitated electron–hole separation, and lead to the increasing photocatalytic activity.     

BiOI/Bi_2WO_6对甲基橙和苯酚的光催化降解及光催化机理(英文)

采用简单的沉积方法制备了不同碘化氧铋含量的BiOI/Bi2WO6光催化剂,通过X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、高分辨透射电子显微镜(HR-TEM)、紫外-可见漫反射光谱(UV-Vis DRS)和BET比表面积测量对其进行了表征。在紫外和可见光的照射下,使用甲基橙和苯酚的光催化降解评价了BiOI/Bi2WO6催化剂的光催化性能。结果表明:与商业P25和纯Bi2WO6相比,13.2%BiOI/Bi2WO6光催化剂具有更高的紫外和可见光催化性能。这明显增加的光催化活性主要归功于光生电子和空穴在Bi2WO6和BiOI界面上的有效转移,降低了电子-空穴对的复合。基于BiOI和Bi2WO6的能带结构,提出了光生载流子的一种转移过程。自由基清除剂的实验表明,·OH,h+,·O2-和H2O2,特别是h+,共同支配了甲基橙和苯酚的光催化降解过程。     

Facile preparation of Ag/Ag2WO4/g‐C3N4 ternary plasmonic photocatalyst and its visible‐light photocatalytic activity

Introducing plasmonic metals into semiconductor materials has been proven to be an attractive strategy for enhancing photocatalytic activity in the visible region. In this work, a novel and efficient Ag/Ag₂WO₄/g‐C₃N₄ (AACN) ternary plasmonic photocatalyst was successfully synthesized using a facile one‐step in situ hydrothermal method. The composition, structure, morphology and optical absorption properties of AACN were investigated using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, respectively. Photocatalytic performance of AACN was evaluated via rhodamine B and tetracycline degradation. The results indicated that AACN had excellent photocatalytic performance for rhodamine B degradation with a rate constant of 0.0125 min^?1, which was higher than those of Ag₂WO₄ and Ag/Ag₂WO₄. Characterization and photocatalytic tests showed that the strong coupling effect between the Ag/Ag₂WO₄ nanoparticles and the exfoliated ultrathin g‐C₃N₄ nanosheets was superior for visible‐light responsivity and reduced the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes. A proposed mechanism is also discussed according to the band energy structure and the experimental results.     

Synthesis of TiO2/Bi2WO6 nanofibers with electrospinning technique for photocatalytic methyl blue degradation

TiO₂/Bi₂WO₆ composite nanofibers have been successfully synthesized by a simple electrospinning process. XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra were used to characterize the composite nanofibers. The composite fibers with diameters about 100 nm was composed of nanoparticles and possessed of high specific surface area (49.6 m² g^?1) and porous structure. Besides, the TiO₂/Bi₂WO₆ composite nanofibers exhibited excellent visible photocatalytic property in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB), and over 97.2 % of MB was degraded within 5.5 h.     

Preparation and visible light photocatalytic activity of Bi2O3/Bi2WO6 heterojunction photocatalysts

The Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared by a two-step solvothermal process using Bi(NO₃)₃-ethylene glycol solution as Bi source. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The heterostructure catalysts are composed of Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles as modifier and 3D Bi₂WO₆ microspheres as substrate. Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles with diameters of about 10-15 nm are tightly grown on the lateral surface of the Bi₂WO₆ microspheres. The hierarchical Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ microspheres exhibit higher photocatalytic activity than the single phase Bi₂WO₆ or Bi₂O₃ for the degradation of rhodamine B under visible light illumination (λ>420 nm). The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of the Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ heterojunction catalysts can be ascribed to their improved light absorption property and the reduced recombination of the photoexcited electrons and holes during the photocatalytic reaction. The effect of loading amount of Bi₂O₃ on the catalytic performance of the heterojunction catalysts was also investigated and the optimal content of Bi₂O₃ is 3 wt%. The Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ heterojunction photocatalysts are essentially stable during the photocatalytic process.     

Pd nanoparticle-modified Bi2WO6 nanoplates used for visible-light-driven photocatalyst

Pd nanoparticles supported on Bi₂WO₆ nanoplates used for visible-light-driven photocatalyst were successfully synthesized by photoreduction deposition method under visible-light irradiation. Different analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that face-centered cubic metallic Pd nanoparticles were uniformly loaded on top of orthorhombic Bi₂WO₆ nanoplates to form heterostructure Pd/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites. Photocatalytic activities of pure Bi₂WO₆ sample and heterostructure Pd/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites were studied through the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiency of Bi₂WO₆ was increased to the highest by being loaded with 5 wt% Pd and then decreased by being loaded with 10 wt% Pd. The improved photocatalytic efficiency caused by high-efficiency diffusion and separation of photo-generated charge carriers was explained and can lead to superior photodegradation of RhB under visible-light irradiation.

     

Novel Bi2WO6‐coupled Fe3O4 Magnetic Photocatalysts: Preparation,Characterization and Photodegradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride

Novel Bi₂WO₆‐coupled Fe₃O₄ magnetic photocatalysts with excellent and stable photocatalytic activity for degrading tetracycline hydrochloride and RhB were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. Through the characterization of the as‐prepared magnetic photocatalysts by X‐ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, it was found that the as‐prepared magnetic photocatalysts were synthesized by the coupling of Bi₂WO₆ and Fe₃O₄, and introduction of appropriated Fe₃O₄ can improve nanospheres morphology and visible‐light response. Among them, BFe2 (0.16% Fe₃O₄) exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), reaching 81.53% after 90 min. Meanwhile, the as‐prepared magnetic photocatalysts showed great separation and recycle property. Moreover, the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the well conductivity of Fe₃O₄ can promote photogenerated charge carriers transfer and inhibit recombination of electron–hole pairs, so that Bi₂WO₆/Fe₃O₄ exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity on degradation of TCH and RhB. Hence, this work provides a principle method to synthesize Bi₂WO₆/Fe₃O₄ with excellent photocatalytic performance for actual application, in addition, it showed that introduction of Fe₃O₄ not only can provide magnetism, but also can enhance photocatalytic activity of Bi₂WO₆/Fe₃O₄ magnetic photocatalysts.     

Facile Electrospinning of CeO2/Bi2WO6 Heterostructured Nanofibers with Excellent Visible‐light‐driven Photocatalytic Performance

One‐dimensional (1D) CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ heterostructured nanofibers with a diameter of about 300 nm were successfully synthesized by using a straightforward strategy combining an electrospinning technique with a sintering process. The acquired products were characterized by thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric (TG‐DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The obtained CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ heterostructured nanofibers exhibited an excellent photocatalytic property for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye driven by visible light due to the promoted separation of photoelectrons and holes and the large contact area between the photocatalyst and organic pollutant.     

One-Dimensional Bi2WO6 Nanofibers Controllable Synthesis by Electrospinning and Enhanced Visible Photocatalytic Degradation Performances

One-dimensional Bi₂WO₆ nanofibers have been successfully synthesized by simple electrospinning processes. XRD, SEM and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra were used to characterize the nanofibers. The results indicated that the Bi₂WO₆ was composed of one-dimensional nanofibers, whose diameter was about 50 nm. Besides, the Bi₂WO₆ nanofibers exhibited excellent visible photocatalytic property in the photodegradation of methylene blue.     

Enhanced visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic activity of F doped reduced graphene oxide ‐ Bi2WO6 photocatalyst

The reduced graphene oxide‐Bi₂WO₆ (rGO‐BWO) photocatalysts with the different R_F/O values (molar ratio of the F molar mass and the O's molar mass of Bi₂WO₆) had been successfully synthesized via one‐step hydrothermal method. The F‐doped rGO‐BWO samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction patterns (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (BET), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results indicate that F^? ions had been successfully doped into rGO‐BWO samples. With the increasing of the R_F/O values from 0 to 2%, the evident change of the morphology and the absorption edges of F‐doped rGO‐BWO samples and the photocatalytic activities had been enhanced. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of F‐doped rGO‐BWO with R_F/O = 0.05 were better than rGO‐BWO and the other F‐doped rGO‐BWO under 500 W Xe lamp light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the morphology of the intact microsphere that signify the bigger specific surface area for providing more possible reaction sites for the adsorption–desorption equilibrium of photocatalytic reaction, the introduction of F^? ions that may cause the enhancement of surface acidity and creation of oxygen vacancies under visible light irradiation, the narrower band gap which means needing less energy for the electron hole pair transition.     

Fabrication of Bi2WO6 quantum dots/ultrathin nanosheets 0D/2D homojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

A novel visible light-responsive homogeneous catalyst based on Bi₂WO₆ quantum dots (QDs-BWO)/Bi₂WO₆ nanosheets (N-BWO) was successfully fabricated through a simple hydrothermal method. A variety of techniques were employed to investigate the morphology, structure, and electronic properties of the samples. The photocatalytic performance of the QDs/N-BWO materials was investigated by monitoring the degradation of 4-chlorophenol and rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The as-fabricated QDs/N-BWO materials showed higher photocatalytic activity than both QDs-BWO and N-BWO. The results reveal that the incorporation of the QDs improved the separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the results of quenching experiments show that ·O₂^– species played a major role in the degradation process. This work provides an important reference for the fabrication of homogeneous catalysts with high performance in the degradation of different types of pollutants.     

Solvothermal synthesis of highly active Bi2WO6 visible photocatalyst

Uniform Bi₂WO₆ spheres with high visible light activity were prepared via a solvothermal route. A variety of techniques including transmission electron micrographs (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption, FT-IR spectra, and UV–Vis spectra were employed to characterize the structure of the Bi₂WO₆ materials so obtained. The results show that the sphere-like Bi₂WO₆ samples were successfully prepared. And, under the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B, the samples demonstrated high activity, three times higher than that of a sample from the solid-state method. Moreover, the uniform structure made the sample easy to separate from the reaction solution, providing an intrinsic advantage to the normal Bi₂WO₆ samples.