Long Persistent Phosphor CdSiO3:Gd3+,Bi3+ and Potential Photocatalytic Application of CdSiO3:Gd3+,Bi3+@TiO2 in Dark

To support photocatalytic decomposition of TiO2 in low‐transparent wastewaters or in the dark, we develop a novel ultraviolet emitting long persistent phosphor CdSiO3:Gd3+,Bi3+, which the persistent luminescence can last for more than 6 h (0.32 mcd/m2). Approximately 68.7% of the spectral areas of the optimal sample can well match the absorption band of TiO2. The long persistent luminescent mechanism is discussed in details. The investigations of decomposition of methylene blue by CdSiO3:Gd3+,Bi3+@TiO2 composite reveals that the long persistent luminescence of CdSiO3:Gd3+,Bi3+ can not only support the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 in the dark but also significantly increases the photocatalytic efficiency under ultraviolet irradiation. Thus, the CdSiO3:Gd3+,Bi3+@TiO2 composite is potentially used as functional photocatalyst to treat the organic pollutants in low‐transparent wastewater or in the dark.