Sb2WO6 nanoparticles coated TiO2 nanobelts exhibiting remarkable photo-catalyst response

Abstract

Sb2WO6/TiO2 composites with different contents of Sb2WO6 were successfully synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method. The Sb2WO6/TiO2 composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Sb2WO6 nanoparticles are distributed uniformly on the surface of TiO2 nanobelts in the prepared Sb2WO6/TiO2 composites. The effect of Sb2WO6 content on the photocatalytic activity of composites is studied by UV–vis DRS and PL. All Sb2WO6/TiO2 photocatalysts show enhanced photocatalytic activity and excellent recycling property for degrading rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The 30% Sb2WO6/TiO2 sample shows the best photocatalytic activity. Its kinetic constant (0·476/h) is 21·6 times higher than that of TiO2. The possible photocatalytic mechanism is discussed according to the trapping experiments of active species. The improved photocatalytic activity for the Sb2WO6/TiO2 catalyst may be attributed to the synergetic effect between Sb2WO6 nanoparticles and TiO2 nanobelts. The enhanced photocatalytic activity and excellent stability make this material a promising candidate for degrading environmental pollutants in the future.