Abstract
A series of novel monoclinic BiVO4-diatomite composite catalysts were prepared for the first time. The obtained composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS and DRS. Compared with monomers, the composites show enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance towards Cr(VI) reduction and rhodamine B (RhB) degradation. The sample with 20% BiVO4 mass faction (20%BiVO4-DE) has the best activity among all the complexes. The photocatalytic mechanism and intermediates species produced in photocatalytic process were further studied by free radical capture test and mass spectrometry. Free radical trapping experiments showed that photoelectrons are the only active species for the Cr(VI) reduction. Holes (h+), ·O2− and ·HO− were all active species and h+ are the main active radicals in the RhB degradation. N-demethylation is the main step of RhB degradation, and N-demethylation intermediates were formed during the RhB degradation process.
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