Pd nanoparticle-modified Bi<inf>2</inf>WO<inf>6</inf> nanoplates used for visible-light-driven photocatalyst

Abstract

Pd nanoparticles supported on Bi2WO6 nanoplates used for visible-light-driven photocatalyst were successfully synthesized by photoreduction deposition method under visible-light irradiation. Different analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that face-centered cubic metallic Pd nanoparticles were uniformly loaded on top of orthorhombic Bi2WO6 nanoplates to form heterostructure Pd/Bi2WO6 nanocomposites. Photocatalytic activities of pure Bi2WO6 sample and heterostructure Pd/Bi2WO6 nanocomposites were studied through the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiency of Bi2WO6 was increased to the highest by being loaded with 5 wt% Pd and then decreased by being loaded with 10 wt% Pd. The improved photocatalytic efficiency caused by high-efficiency diffusion and separation of photo-generated charge carriers was explained and can lead to superior photodegradation of RhB under visible-light irradiation.