Rare Earth Ion Yb³⁺ Doping of Bi₂WO₆ with Excellent Visible-light Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

The rare earth ion Yb³⁺ doped Bi₂WO₆ photocatalysts were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Moreover, XRD, XPS, FESEM, TEM, Ramam, N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm measurements and UV-vis diffusion reflectance spectra were used to characterize the Yb³⁺ doped Bi₂WO₆ photocatalysts. The morphology, specific surface area, and pore volume distribution were greatly affected after Yb³⁺ ions doping. Photocatalytic performance of Bi₂WO₆ was effectively enhanced after Yb³⁺ ions doping, 6% Yb³⁺ doped Bi₂WO₆ had the best photocatalytic performance, and 96.2% Rhodamine B was degradated after irradiated 30 min, which was 1.29 times that of the pristine one. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was due to the increased specific surface area, decreased energy band gap and inhibition of photoelectron-hole recombination after Yb³⁺ ions doping.

Keywords

Bi₂WO₆ / rare earth ion doping / visible-light photocatalytic activity / hydrothermal method

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