Magnetically separable Bi2MoO6/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure nanofibers: Controllable synthesis and enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

In this paper, Bi2MoO6/ZnFe2O4 heterojunctions were successfully obtained by combining electrospinning and a solvothermal technique. The morphology and loading of Bi2MoO6 nanosheets of Bi2MoO6/ZnFe2O4 heterojunctions could be controlled by adjusting the concentration of molybdenum precursor during the solvothermal process. Comparative experiments revealed that the resulting Bi2MoO6/ZnFe2O4 heterojunctions exhibit a higher visible light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RB) than pure Bi2MoO6 or ZnFe2O4. The photocurrent and PL measurements of the Bi2MoO6/ZnFe2O4 heterojunctions also indicated an enhanced separation of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. Moreover, the heterojunctions could be easily recycled without a decrease in their photocatalytic activity due to their good magnetic separation performance and excellent chemical stability. Based on these findings, Bi2MoO6/ZnFe2O4 heterojunctions are a promising visible-light-driven photocatalyst for converting solar energy to chemical energy for environmental remediation. (c) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.