Bi2WO6 Nanosheets Synthesized by a Hydrothermal Method: Photocatalytic Activity Driven by Visible Light and the Superhydrophobic Property with Water Adhesion

The Bi2WO6 nanosheets have been synthesized at different pH values by a hydrothermal method. Various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV/Vis absorption spectra and contact angle (CA) analysis, were employed to investigate the as-prepared products. The Bi2WO6 nanosheets prepared at pH = 9 (BW9) showed excellent photocatalytic performance by degradation of the methylene blue (MB) solution (10 mg/L) and the degradation rate was found to be 93% under visible light for 3 h. Furthermore, the wettability of the as-synthesized Bi2WO6 film was studied by measuring the water CA. It was found that they show extraordinary superhydrophobicity and excellent adhesion of water, even without modification by low-surface-energy materials.