Photocatalytic activity of Er3+, Yb3+ doped Bi5O7I

As upconversion agents, Er3+, Yb3+ were doped into Bi5O7I photocatalyst to improve its photocatalytic activity. Rhodamine B (RhB) and phenol were selected as model pollutants to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the Bi5O7I under visible light irradiation (lambda>420 nm) and simulated solar light irradiation (lambda>290 nm). respectively. It was found that the photocatalytic activity of the Er3+:Yb3+ doped Bi5O7I was much higher than that of pure Bi5O7I and corresponding mechanism was discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.