Heterostructured bismuth molybdate composite: preparation and improved photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation

A heterostructured photocatalyst containing the same Bi, Mo, and O elements (Bi(3.64)Mo(0.36)O(6.55)/Bi(2)MoO(6)) 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 Bi(3.64)Mo(0.36)O(6.55)/Bi(2)MoO(6) composite exhibited notable enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to Bi(2)MoO(6) or Bi(3.64)Mo(0.36)O(6.55) 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 CO(2) efficiently. This study offered a clue for the design of an efficient photocatalyst in the application of environmental treatment.