Growing of ultra-thin Bi2MoO6 nanoflowers on Co/N-doped graphitic carbon nanoshells as attractive custom supports: Excellent photocatalytic degradation activity for pollutants

Abstract

Ultra-thin Bi2MoO6 nanoflowers were grown on Co/N-doped graphitic carbon (Co/N-GC) nanoshells consisting of Co/N-doped layered GC to obtain Hierarchical Co/N-GC@Bi2MoO6 hollow heterostructures for visible light photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The Schottky heterojunction, derived from the introduction of Co/N-GC nanoshells, could simultaneously boost photoinduced electron transport and limit photoexcited electron-hole recombination. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, XPS, EPR methods confirmed the charge transfer mechanism of the structure, which would not only accelerate the charge separation but also improve the photocatalyst redox capability. This structural and compositional advantage accelerates charge separation and migration, as well as providing considerable surface areas and extensive reaction sites for several species of contaminant interpretation.