Exploring improvement of photocatalytic and catalytic performance in Nd-doped BiYO3 nanotube systems

Abstract

A series of BiYO3 and rare earth doped BiYO3 nanotubes have been fabricated through a simple and economical electrospinning technique with subsequent calcination for the first time. The average diameter of the nanotube was approximately 200 nm. It is found that the Nd-doped BiYO3 nanotubes exhibit an excellent multi-functionality of catalytic and visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities, thus the reduction of 4-Nitrophenol and degradation of Congo red can be rapidly achieved. The enhanced activity was attributed to the one-dimensional tube-like architecture, relatively appropriate band gap and Nd doping, which could be favorable for light harvesting, matter diffusion, and carrier transfer. This work may raise more detail research of BiYO3 and also broaden its application in many fields.