Heterostructured Bismuth Molybdate Composite: Preparation and Improved Photocatalytic Activity under Visible-Light Irradiation

A heterostructured photocatalyst containing the same Bi, Mo, and O elements (Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55/Bi2MoO6) was realized by a facile hydrothermal method. The heterostructured composite was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, selected-area electron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution electron microscopy. The Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55/Bi2MoO6 composite exhibited notable enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to Bi2MoO6 or Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 in the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B and phenol under visible-light irradiation. More interestingly, it is found that the heterostructured composite could mineralize organic substances into CO2 efficiently. This study offered a clue for the design of an efficient photocatalyst in the application of environmental treatment.