Enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance of Ag3VO4/Bi2WO6 heterojunctions in removing aqueous dyes and tetracycline hydrochloride

Novel Ag3VO4/Bi2WO6 heterojunctions were developed by in situ growing Ag3VO4 particles onto Bi2WO6 nanosheets. Ag3VO4/Bi2WO6 heterojunction with an optimal Bi2WO6/Ag3VO4 mass ratio of 10% exhibited much higher activity in the photocatalytic degradation of aqueous dyes and tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light (lambda > 400 nm) irradiation than Ag3VO4, Bi2WO6, or a mechanical mixture of Bi2WO6 and Ag3VO4. The heterojunction catalyst also had good recyclability. The upgraded photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of nanojunction between Ag3VO4 and Bi2WO6. Photogenerated holes and superoxide radical anion are mainly responsible for the photocatalytic activity. (C) 2017 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.