TiO{sub 2} nanobelts photocatalysts decorated with Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanocrystals: Preparation and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Highlights: • TiO{sub 2} nanobelts decorated with Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanocrystals have been prepared. • The introduction of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanocrystals can induce red-shift of absorption edge. • The Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}/TiO{sub 2} composites show higher photocatalytic activity than TiO{sub 2} nanobelts. • The Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}/TiO{sub 2} composites have long-time recyclable ability of photodegradation. - Abstract: In this paper, the controllable preparation of one-dimensional TiO{sub 2} nanobelts decorated with Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanocrystals based on Ti foils was reported using two-step hydrothermal treatment method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement results exhibited the binding energy changes of Ti and O elements, implying the strong adhesion of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanocrystals onto the surface of TiO{sub 2} nanobelts. The ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra showed that the introduction of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanocrystals could induce the red-shift of absorption edge and exhibited a broad absorption band in the visible region, which extended the scope of absorption spectrum and help to improve the photocatalytic degradation efficiency. The photocatalytic experiment results revealed that Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}/TiO{sub 2} composites possess higher photocatalytic activities toward methyl orange than pure TiO{sub 2} nanobelts. The degradation efficiency of 90% after 5 cycles indicated that the as-prepared composite photocatalysts exhibited excellent long-time recyclable ability for the degradation of contaminants.