α-Fe2O3 modified Bi2WO6 flower-like mesostructures with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} heterostructures were facilely fabricated by an impregnation method. • The Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} matrix was modified by α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles of 10–20 nm on the surface. • The visible-light absorption region of the composite was effectively red-shifted. • The composite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity to RhB below Fe-0.4%. • The band gap coupling effect between α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} was interpreted. - Abstract: α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} modified Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} mesostructures were facilely prepared by an impregnation method. The characterizations of phase structure, morphology, microstructure, UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence, BET and solar simulated photocatalytic behavior were systematically conducted. The Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} heterostructure with a Fe mass percentage in 0.05–0.2% presented obviously enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B than pristine Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. In particular, the apparent reaction rate constant with Fe-0.1% was 2.24-folds of that of pure Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra showed that the modification of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} broadened the visible light absorption of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. The decreased photoluminescence indicated an effective suppression of the recombination of electron–hole pairs at Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} interface.more » The band-gap coupling effect between Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} was interpreted via comparison of relative valence and conductance potentials, which confirmed an irreversible flow of electrons and holes in the interface of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. Moreover, the composite showed excellent circulation stability, suggesting potential application in dealing with environmental pollutions.« less