Preparation of core-shell like Bi2WO6/BiOCl heterojunction with excellent visible light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Constructing a ‘Z-scheme’ heterojunction is an effective method for improving photocatalyst activity. Core-shell like Z-scheme Bi2WO6/BiOCl heterojunction was synthesized through a two-step method. The arbutus-like BiOCl microsphere core was first gained by a solvothermal method. Then the Bi2WO6 nanosheet shell was in situ on the surface of the BiOCl microsphere through another solvothermal process. The Bi2WO6/BiOCl heterojunction had a much better photocatalytic performance than that of the single Bi2WO6, which was owing to the enlarged BET surface area, enhanced light absorption, and photocarriers migration. The photocatalytic mechanism of the Bi2WO6/BiOCl heterojunction was also proposed.