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The Bi/Bi 2 WO 6 heterojunction with stable interface contact and enhanced visible‐light photocatalytic activity for phenol and Cr ( VI ) removal
Author(s) -
Jia Jia,
Xue Peng,
Wang Ruimiao,
Bai Xue,
Hu Xiaoyun,
Fan Jun,
Liu Enzhou
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.5657
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , visible spectrum , materials science , noble metal , hexavalent chromium , heterojunction , nanoparticle , triethanolamine , chemical engineering , semiconductor , nanotechnology , phenol , surface plasmon resonance , photochemistry , catalysis , chromium , chemistry , optoelectronics , metal , analytical chemistry (journal) , environmental chemistry , organic chemistry , metallurgy , engineering
BACKGROUND Semiconductor photocatalysis is the most promising green and energy‐saving technology for environmental remediation. Unfortunately, photocatalysis nanotechnology for its practical application is often challenged by the low capturing ability for visible light and use of expensive noble metals. In this work, we report the non‐noble Bi nanoparticles assembled on Bi 2 WO 6 with enhanced visible‐light photocatalytic activity for decontamination of phenol and hexavalent chromium in water. RESULTS The 3% Bi/Bi 2 WO 6 composite had the highest photocatalytic activity compared to pristine Bi 2 WO 6 , which could completely decompose phenol into small products within 120 min. More importantly, the Cr(VI) removal rate of the 3% Bi/Bi 2 WO 6 catalyst in the presence of triethanolamine (TEOA, 2%) after irradiation for 12 min was up to 96.2%. CONCLUSIONS The improved photocatalytic performance could be due to the fast transfer of photogenerated charge carried by the formation of an anti‐barrier layer at the interface between metal Bi nanoparticles and the n ‐type Bi 2 WO 6 semiconductor; the enhancement of electron energy may be attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance properties of Bi nanoparticles, as well as conspicuously strengthened and broad light‐capturing ability across the whole visible‐light range. This strategy could provide some inspiration for the design of other Bi‐based semiconductor heterostructures for decomposing harmful organic pollutants in wastewater and purifying hazardous gases in the air. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry