Hydrothermal synthesis of nanosized bismuth niobate and enhanced photocatalytic activity by coupling of graphene sheets

A nanosized bismuth niobate (Bi5Nb3O15) has been firstly synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, and was successfully self-assembled onto graphene sheets. The novel nanosized Bi5Nb3O15 showed higher photocatalytic decolorization of rhodamine B (Rh.B) under visible light compared to Degussa P25 and bulk BiNbO4 due to short diffuse length of electrons and efficient visible light harvesting. Interestingly, the photocatalytic activity of Bi5Nb3O15 photocatalyst could be further enhanced by coupling with graphene sheet in terms of enhanced surface affinity and prolonged electron lifetime. Moreover, the Bi5Nb3O15/graphene does not show deactivation for decolorization of Rh.B and photo-corrosion within five time cycles, indicating that the novel photocatalyst can be utilized to cleanup of environment.

► The nanosized bismuth niobate has been synthesized by a hydrothermal method.
► The nanosized bismuth niobate showed higher photocatalytic activity.
► The nanosized bismuth niobate can be readily coupled with graphene sheet.
► The novel bismuth niobate/graphene photocatalyst utilized to cleanup of environment.