Synthesis and characterization of novel CaFe2O4/Bi2O3 composite photocatalysts.

Novel CaFe 2 O 4 /Bi 2 O 3 composite photocatalysts were prepared via a facile grinding and calcination method and characterized by XRD, TEM, UV–vis and PL analysis, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated through photodegradation of malachite green (MG) under visible light. The as-prepared CaFe 2 O 4 /Bi 2 O 3 composites showed higher photodegradation activity than that of pure Bi 2 O 3 or CaFe 2 O 4 sample. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be due to improvement of the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, which was beneficial for efficient charge carrier transport. The photocatalytic mechanism of the CaFe 2 O 4 /Bi 2 O 3 composite was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]