The synthesis of a Bi 2 MoO 6 /Bi 4 V 2 O 11 heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity.

A novel Bi ₂ MoO ₆ /Bi ₄ V ₂ O ₁₁ heterostructured photocatalyst was successfully fabricated using a facile one-pot solvothermal method. This heterojunction consists of homogeneous dispersed Bi ₄ V ₂ O ₁₁ nanocrystals anchored on the surface of Bi ₂ MoO ₆ nanoflakes, endowing the heterojunction with nanosized interfacial contact. Based on the favorable interfacial contact, the band alignment at the heterojunction effectively facilitated photo-generated carrier transfer, which was verified by photoelectrochemical and photoluminescence measurements. Thereby, in contrast with pristine Bi ₂ MoO ₆ and Bi ₄ V ₂ O ₁₁ , the as-synthesized heterojunction with nanoscale contact exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of MB and the reduction of Cr(vi). In addition, the as-fabricated Bi ₂ MoO ₆ /Bi ₄ V ₂ O ₁₁ heterojunction exhibited good cycling stability for MB degradation after 4 cycles. Finally, a plausible photocatalytic mechanism for MB degradation over the Bi ₂ MoO ₆ /Bi ₄ V ₂ O ₁₁ heterojunction was discussed in detail. This work not only reports a highly efficient photocatalyst but also sheds light on the design and optimization of a heterojunction.
Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare.
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