One-pot synthesis of peony-like Bi2S3/BiVO4(040) with high photocatalytic activity for glyphosate degradation under visible light irradiation

In this work, samples consisting of BiVO₄ with exposed (040) facets coupled with Bi₂S₃ (Bi₂S₃/BiVO₄) were prepared through a one-pot hydrothermal method, using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as directing agent and L-cysteine as sulfur source and soft template. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements indicated that the Bi₂S₃ content had a significant influence on the growth of (040) and (121) facets as well as on the morphology of the Bi₂S₃/BiVO₄ samples. When the Bi₂S₃ content reached 1 mmol, the Bi₂S₃/BiVO₄ samples exhibited a peony-like morphology. The results of transient photocurrent tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements confirmed that a more effective charge separation and a faster interfacial charge transfer occurred in Bi₂S₃/BiVO₄ than BiVO₄. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Bi₂S₃/BiVO₄ samples could be attributed to the improved absorption capability in the visible light region and the enhanced electron-hole pair separation efficiency due to the formation of the Bi₂S₃/BiVO₄ heterostructure. In addition, the Bi₂S₃/BiVO₄ samples showed relative stability and reusability. The simple method presented in this work could be used to fabricate composite photocatalysts with high activity for different applications, such as photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, photocatalytic splitting of water, and photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide.