Z-scheme heterojunction based on NiWO4/WO3 microspheres with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light

The green treatment of dye wastewater has always been a research hotspot in the environmental field. The photocatalytic technology is considered to be a simple and effective strategy to remove dyes in wastewater. A new type of NiWO4/WO3 Z-scheme heterojunction microspheres were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and impregnation-calcination process. The crystal structure, microscopic morphology, optical and electrochemical properties of the samples were systematically characterized. The photocatalytic activity of methylene blue (MB) was studied by visible light irradiation. The results show that the direct Z-scheme heterojunction formed by NiWO4/WO3 effectively reduces the transfer resistance of photogenerated carriers and improves the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. The degradation rates of NiWO4/WO3-4 Z-scheme heterojunction microspheres to MB dye are 1.8 and 3.2 times higher than that of pure WO3 center dot 2H(2)O and WO3 microspheres, respectively. Combined with the Mott-Schottky curve and the active species capture experiments, a possible Z-scheme photogenerated carrier transfer mechanism is proposed. This study provides a method for the development and design of Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts in the field of wastewater purification.

Automated summary

A new type of NiWO4/WO3 Z-scheme heterojunction microspheres were synthesized and studied for its photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue under visible light irradiation. Results showed significant improvement in degradation rates compared to pure WO3, and a possible Z-scheme photogenerated carrier transfer mechanism was proposed. This study provides insight for the development of Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts in wastewater purification.