Preparation and performance of novel magnetic phase-change-microcapsule-supported Bi2WO6 catalyst

Abstract

The design and synthesis of novel photocatalyst with self-temperature control function is an important topic in the field of advanced environmental functional materials. In this work, submicron-sized magnetic phase change microcapsules composed of paraffin core and Fe3O4-loaded silica shell are prepared, on which the Bi2WO6 crystals is grown in situ through hydrothermal reaction to obtain novel magnetic phase-change-microcapsule-supported Bi2WO6 catalyst (MP@FS/BWO). The MP@FS/BWO has a paraffin encapsulation ratio of 57.1%, and the phase change enthalpy of 105.1 J/g in a temperature range of 50–60 °C, which endows the MP@FS/BWO with a certain self-temperature regulation ability. MP@FS/BWO shows excellent catalytic performance in the decomposition of rhodamine B under the simulated sunlight irradiation. After the light source is turned off, it still has good catalytic ability by maintaining high temperature due to its temperature control function based on the phase transition process. The MP@FS/BWO can be easily recycled by magnetic separation and shows good structural stability and reusability. This work provides a new idea for the development of long-effect and energy-saving outdoor photocatalysts.