Z-scheme hierarchical Cu2S/Bi2WO6 composites for improved photocatalytic activity of glyphosate degradation under visible light irradiation

In this work, the Z-scheme Cu2S/Bi2WO6 photocatalysts were prepared through a three-step synthetic route. The structural, electronic, and optical properties of the as-prepared photocatalysts have been investigated. The as-prepared Cu2S/Bi2WO6 composites display a hierarchical flower-like agglomeration of nanosheets, in which the Cu2S nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of Bi2WO6 nanosheets. The photocatalytic activities of glyphosate degradation over the Cu2S/Bi2WO6 composites were investigated under a 44 W light emitting diode lamp irradiation (lambda > 400 nm). The 1%Cu2S/Bi2WO6 sample shows the best photocatalytic activity of glyphosate degradation under visible light irradiation. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity is ascribed to hierarchical structure, strong visible light absorption and Z-scheme mechanism. This work could offer a new insight into the design and construction of Z-scheme materials for photocatalytic applications.