Enhanced photocatalytic performance of Bi2WO6 by graphene supporter as charge transfer channel

Bi2WO6 is incorporated on graphene sheets using a facile refluxing method to improve its photocatalytic performance. Remarkable three times enhancement in photodegradation of Rh.B is observed on Bi2WO6/graphene composite compared with pure Bi2WO6 under visible light irradiation. This improvement is attributed to the longer electron lifetime of excited Bi2WO6 as the electrons even if holes are injected to graphene instantly at the site of generation, leading to a maximized charge separation. This study demonstrated that the graphene as supporter could provide an effective way for enhancing photocatalytic performance of semiconductor photocatalysts by acting as charge transfer channel. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.