Preparation and sonophotocatalytic performance of hierarchical Bi 2 WO 6 structures and effects of various factors on the rate of Rhodamine B degradation

Hierarchical Bi WO structures with high surface area were prepared in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone by using an optimized hydrothermal method. The samples prepared were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and N adsorption-desorption technique. The results of these characterizations showed the formation of the hierarchical Bi WO structures with high surface area (51m /g). The degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) with or without visible light was investigated under various experimental conditions to evaluate the sonophotocatalytic activity of the hierarchical Bi WO structures. The result showed that the degradation efficiency was found to be in the following order: sonocatalysis