Facile Fabrication of Bi(2)WO(6)/Ag(2)S Heterostructure with Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Performances

In this report, a novel photocatalyst based on Bi(2)WO(6)/Ag(2)S heterostructures was prepared by a 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-assisted route at room temperature. Compared to bare Bi(2)WO(6) and Ag(2)S nanoparticles, the as-formed Bi(2)WO(6)/Ag(2)S heterostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible-light irradiation. This kind of enhancement in the photocatalytic activity is considered to be the synergistic effects of both the effective electron-hole separation and expansion of the light-absorption range. The pH of the solution is of vital importance to the photocatalytic activity of the as-formed Bi(2)WO(6)/Ag(2)S heterostructures. Under low pH value, the photosensitization process is suppressed, while under higher pH value, the photosensitization process is favored. The mechanism of the photocatalytic process was proposed by the active-species-trapping experiments, indicating that the photogenerated holes (h(+)) play a crucial role in the degradation of Rh B under visible light. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of this heterostructure makes it a promising material for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11671-016-1319-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.