Synthesis of efficient Y-Bi2WO6/G visible light photocatalysts with high stability for pollutant degradation

For effective photocatalytic pollutant degradation on bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6), it is vital to enhance the photogenerated charge separation and the photochemical stability. Herein, we successfully fabricated yttrium (Y)-Bi2WO6/graphene (G) nanocomposites with a significantly enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic ability to degrade Rhodamine B compared with the bare Bi2WO6. This is attributed to the remarkably improved visible light absorption capability and photogenerated charge separation after doping yttrium and subsequent coupling with graphene, as revealed by photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies. Moreover, trapping experiments were carried out to clarify that photogenerated center dot O2- and holes were the dominant oxidative species in the photocatalytic reaction. In addition, it was confirmed that the resulting composites maintained good photostability and chemical stability during recycling tests.

Automated summary

Enhancing the visible light absorption capability and photogenerated charge separation through yttrium doping and subsequent coupling with graphene significantly improved the photocatalytic performance of bismuth tungstate/graphene nanocomposites. Photogenerated center dot O2- and holes were identified as the dominant oxidative species in the photocatalytic reaction, and the resulting composites showed good photostability and chemical stability during recycling tests.