The gas-phase photocatalytic mineralization of benzene over visible-light-driven Bi2WO6@C microspheres

Abstract

Bi 2 WO 6 -coated carbon (Bi 2 WO 6 @C) microspheres were prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method using glucose as a carbon source. The physicochemical properties of the prepared microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared sample was determined by degradation of gas-phase benzene under visible-light irradiation, and was compared to N-doped TiO 2 . It was revealed that the photocatalytic performance of the Bi 2 WO 6 was enhanced greatly by the doping of carbon microspheres. The photocatalytic conversion rate and mineralization rate of benzene over the Bi 2 WO 6 @C microspheres were 42.6% and 80.0% respectively, which were much higher than that of N-doped TiO 2 . ►Photocatalyst with controllable morphology and structure. ►Well-dispersed Bi 2 WO 6 on carbon microspheres. ►Carbon microspheres promote Bi 2 WO 6 performance towards benzene photodegradation.