Bi2MoO6 nanosheets deposited TiO2 nanobelts with spatially branched hierarchical heterostructure for enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

In the present work, Bi2MoO6 nanosheets deposited TiO2 nanobelts with spatially branched hierarchical heterostructure were synthesized by a solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). Results showed that depositing Bi2MoO6 nanosheets on the surface of TiO2 nanobelts boosted the efficiency of light harvesting, which can be ascribed to reduced reflection and multi-scattering because of this special 2D-1D structure. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by degradation of reactive brilliant dye X-3B (C.I. Reactive Red 2) under visible light irradiation. The results indicated that the dosage of Bi2MoO6 had a great influence on the photocatalytic activity. The enhanced activity can be ascribed to the formation of heterojunctions between Bi2MoO6 and TiO2, which can accelerate the charge transportation and separation. The enhanced activity can also be ascribed to the boosted efficiency of light harvesting. The mechanism of photo catalytic degradation of X-3B by the as obtained heterostructures was also discussed. This study may contribute to practical application of titania based heterostructures in wastewater treatment. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.