Flexible Bi(Er3+/Yb3+)2MoO6/PAN with sensitive temperature feedback and enhanced visible light photocatalysis

Abstract

(Bi1-x-yErxYby)2MoO6 polyacrylonitrile (BMO-EY/PAN) is fabricated with nanocrystal-inlaid fiber structure via electrospinning, which fulfills efficient photocatalytic performance and real-time temperature monitoring. In comparison to their conventional powdered BMO counterparts, embedding BMO-EY nanocrystals into the PAN polymer imparts a suite of desirable traits to the fibers, such as efficient solar energy utilization, outstanding reproducibility, superior stretchability (498 cN), and extensive specific surface area (24.11 m2 g−1). The working temperature of the catalytic degradation process is monitored and fed back in real time by 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 radiation transitions of Er3+ with excellent sensitivity. Simultaneously, the addition of rare earth (REs) elements into the bismuth molybdate lattice broadens its visible absorption range, expediting charge transfer of photogenerated electrons and augmenting its ability to degrade pollutants under visible light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) reaches a maximum of 97%, while the degradation constant K is notably high at 0.047 min−1 when subjected to simulated sunlight irradiation. This degradation trend is also observed in the case of rhodamine B (RhB). In general, these advanced photocatalytic fibers, equipped with non-contact temperature feedback capabilities, manifests the potential to serve as an effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable approach for water treatment processes.