Shape evolution of Eu-doped Bi2WO6 and their photocatalytic properties

• Hydrothermal synthesis of Eu-doped Bi2WO6 micro/nanostructure without any additives.
• Dopant and doping level affect the shape evolution and photocatalytic activities.
• Eu-doped Bi2WO6 exhibit superior photocatalytic activity in degradation of RhB.

Europium-doped bismuth tungstate (Eu-doped Bi2WO6) was synthesized via hydrothermal method. The composition, structure, and microstructure of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Depending on the doping level, nanoflakes and 3D hierarchical microspheres were formed. The photocatalytic activities of all products obtained were evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine-B under visible light irradiation. A substantially improved photocatalytic performance of Eu-doped Bi2WO6 is achieved. This study demonstrates a simple method that could produce stable photocatalysts with greatly enhanced performance.

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