Multi-pathway photoelectron migration in globular flower-like In2O3/AgBr/Bi2WO6 synthesized by microwave-assisted method with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.molcata.2015.12.023

The photocatalyst In₂O₃/AgBr/Bi₂WO₆ with visible light response was synthesized using microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, optical properties and surface morphologies of the products were characterized by XRD, UV-vis/DRS, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XPS and N₂ adsorption-desorption tests. The results indicate that indium exists in the form of oxide and inhibits the growth of Bi₂WO₆ at (1 3 3) crystal plane. The In₂O₃/AgBr/Bi₂WO₆ composite consists of the particles piled up into flower-like spherical structures. In₂O₃/AgBr/Bi₂WO₆ exhibits high photocatalytic activity for the Rhodamin B (RhB) degradation under ultraviolet and visible light, and, also, shows steady photocatalytic performance after four times of recycling. Besides, the potential photocatalytic mechanism of In₂O₃/AgBr/Bi₂WO₆ was proposed according to the energy band structure of the composite, and the vital role of multi-pathway photogenerated electron migration during photocatalysis process was explained.