Fabrication of one-dimensional visible-light-driven BiOCl@WO3 p–n heterojunction with improved photocatalytic performance

Abstract

In this study, BiOCl nanoparticles firmly growing on the one-dimensional WO3 nanorods forming BiOCl@WO3 p–n heterojunction is developed through a two-step hydrothermal route. The physicochemical properties of BiOCl@WO3 are systematically characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, DRS and XPS. The photoproduced carrier transition, separation, and migration of BiOCl@WO3 are explored by PL and PEC measurements. Benefit from the heterojunctions, the BiOCl@WO3 possesses an excellent absorption property in the visible region compared to pure BiOCl and WO3. Furthermore, BiOCl@WO3 exhibit dramatically higher photocatalytic degradation of malachite green than single BiOCl and WO3. Among as-prepared products, the champion WBOC2 catalyst exhibits the highest photocatalytic efficiency. Based on the physicochemical and catalytic properties, the enhanced photocatalytic performance is mainly attributed to the construction of a p-n heterojunction between BiOCl and WO3, as well as the increase in the visible-light region.