Construction of visible light driven CuBi2O4/ Bi2WO6 solid solutions anchored with Bi12O17ClxBr2-x nanoparticles for improved photocatalytic activity

In this research, the efficient role of Bi12O17ClxBr2-x in Bi2WO6/CuBi2O4 was investigated to enhance the photocatalytic activity for degradation of alizarin yellow R as a model dye and hydrogen evolution, simultaneously. The prepared samples were characterized using HR-TEM, XRD, UV-vis, BET and PL emission spectroscopy. The experimental results showed excellent photocatalytic performance for Bi2WO6/CuBi2O4/Bi12O17ClxBr2-x (2%) (100% greater than previous benchmark) among all the prepared samples. The highest efficiency was due to the small size of nanoparticles, high crystallinity, and low recombination rate, small band gap, and high absorption band for visible region and larger surface area. This work may provide novel insights to optimize and prepare promising functional materials for sustainable environmental and energy production.

Automated summary

The study investigated the efficient role of Bi12O17ClxBr2-x in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6/CuBi2O4 for dye degradation and hydrogen evolution. The experimental results showed excellent photocatalytic performance due to the small size of nanoparticles, high crystallinity, low recombination rate, small band gap, and high absorption band for visible region. This work may offer novel insights for optimizing and preparing functional materials for sustainable environmental and energy production.