Bi_2WO_6 doped with rare earth ions:Preparation,characterization and photocatalytic activity under simulated solar irradiation

Rare-earth modification Bi_2 WO_6 composites(RE/Bi_2 WO_6) were studied by experimental performance and theory computation based on the different 4 f orbits of selected rare earth elements(La,Ce,Gd,and Yb).The prepared RE/Bi_2 WO_6 was characterized by XRD,SEM/TEM,XPS,UV-vis DRS,and N_2 adsorption to learn their physical-chemical properties.Azo dye Rhodamine B(RhB) was photodegraded as a target pollutant to investigate the photocatalytic activity of prepared RE/Bi_2 WO_6 composites.The results of experiment and computation show that four rare earth elements with different electron configurations retain the phase and morphology of Bi_2 WO_6 and enhance the removal efficiency of RhB under simulated solar irradiation.The optimum doping contents are 0.01%,0.05%,0.05% and 0.01% for La-,Ce-,Gd-,and Yb-doped Bi_2 WO_6,respectively.However,light rare earth La and Ce doped composites indicate some difference in visible light adso rption capacity and mineralization on RhB co mpared with heavy rare earth Gd and Yb doped composites.Both La/Bi_2 WO_6 and Ce/Bi_2 WO_6 possess larger pore size and higher mineralization ability than Gd/Bi_2 WO_6 and Yb/Bi_2 WO_6 under the same experimental conditions while Gd/Bi_2 WO_6 and Yb/Bi_2 WO_6 show stronger red shift to the visible light due to the more 4 f electrons.The hole oxidation plays a major role in the photodegradation of RhB by all RE/Bi_2 WO_6.