Effects of pH on the visible-light induced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performances of hierarchical Bi2WO6 microspheres

• Hierarchical Bi2WO6 microshperes as photocatalyst.
• Enhancing photocatalytic activities and PEC performances under acidic condition.
• Energy band diagram of Bi2WO6 at different pHs.

Visible-light induced degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) over hierarchical Bi2WO6 microspheres at different pHs was studied. It was observed that the initial pH values have a significant effect on the photodegradation efficiency of RhB. The photoelectrochemical experiments were performed to understand the influences of pH values. Both the enhanced efficiency of photoinduced electron–hole separation and more positive of the valence band top of Bi2WO6 under acidic conditions favor the enhancement of photocatalytic activities.

The initial pH values have a significant effect on the photodegradation efficiency of Rhodamine B over hierarchical Bi2WO6 microspheres. Photoelectrochemical studies indicate that both the enhanced efficiency of photoinduced electron–hole separation and more positive EVB of Bi2WO6 under acidic conditions favor the enhancement of photocatalytic activities.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide