Synthesis of Bi2WO6 nanoplate-built hierarchical nest-like structures with visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity

Bismuth tungstate hierarchical nest-like structures built by higher order nanoplate alignment have been successfully synthesized by a facile and economical method in the presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The formation mechanism and effect of reaction time on the products were investigated. In addition, studies of the photocatalytic property demonstrate that the as-synthesized Bi2WO6 structures show excellent photocatalytic activity exposure to visible light irradiation. Furthermore, we first explored the electrochemical property of the Bi2WO6 nanostructure as an electrode in a lithium ion battery. Therefore, the preparation and properties studies of Bi2WO6 structures suggest potential future applications in photocatalysis by sunlight and as an electrode candidate in lithium ion batteries.