Preparation and photocatalytic properties of WSe2/BiVO4 p-n heterojunction photocatalytic materials

The 2D transition metal WSe2, a strong photocatalyst, was combined with BiVO4 to create a p-n heterojunction photocatalyst using a hydrothermal process. The resulting 10% WSe2/BiVO4 (in the synthesized material, the mass ratio of WSe2 to BiVO4 is 1:10) composite showed impressive 94.5% efficiency in Methylene Blue (MB) degradation under visible light. Even after eight cycles, it maintained a 72% degradation rate, demonstrating robust photocatalytic stability. Experiments, including ·O2− and h+ capture and ESR analysis, revealed their vital roles in photocatalytic degradation. The exceptional performance of WSe2/BiVO4 is attributed to the internal electric field formed between WSe2 and BiVO4, enhancing carrier mobility. •WSe2/BiVO4 heterojunction photocatalyst synthesized via hydrothermal solvent method.•The p-n heterojunction boosts photocurrent and trims electrochemical impedance.•The degradation rate of methylene blue by 10% WSe2/BiVO4 reached 94.5% in two hours.