Nest-like structures of Sr doped Bi2WO6: Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic properties

A series of Sr-doped Bi2WO6 with three-dimensional (3D) nest-like structures were synthesized through simple hydrothermal route and characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM, XPS, UV–vis DRS, etc. Morphology observation revealed that the as-synthesized Bi2WO6 were self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) nest-like structures, which were constructed from nanoplates. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicated that the samples had absorption in both UV and visible light areas. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under UV and visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The photocatalytic properties were enhanced after Sr doping. Samples subsequently thermal treated at 500 °C showed higher photocatalytic activities. The reasons for the differences in the photocatalytic activities of these nest-like Bi2WO6 microstructures were further investigated.

► Bi2WO6 with 3D nest-like structures was obtained without the presence of templates but after Sr-doping, which represents a marked improvement over previous reports.
► The products showed enhanced photocatalytic properties over pure Bi2WO6.
► Samples subsequently thermal treated at 500 °C show better photocatalytic activities.