BiVO4/TiO2 nanocrystalline heterostructure: A wide spectrum responsive photocatalyst towards the highly efficient decomposition of gaseous benzene

A low-cost, time-saving coupling method was developed to prepare a novel BiVO4/TiO2 heterostructure photocatalyst. Benzene was selected as a target pollutant to evaluate the enhanced heterogenous photocatalytic oxidation process of this photocatalyst. The results clearly indicated that the addition of BiVO4 accelerated the degradation of benzene, and the optimum composition was recognized as BiVO4: TiO2 with ratio of 1:200 (mass ratio). Compared with TiO2−xNx (nitrogen-doped TiO2), its efficiency of removing gaseous benzene and producing CO2 under visible light irradiation (λ > 450 nm) was demonstrated more than 3 and 4 times, respectively. Such high conversion and mineralization ratio could be maintained for more than 50 h. Applications were also given for the photocatalytic elimination of gaseous benzene under simulated solar light and UV light irradiation. The benzene conversion reached 92% and 11%, corresponding to extremely high mineralization ratios of about 80% and 84%, respectively. Hence, this improved wide spectrum responsive photocatalyst would be needed, which were of importance to the potential application in the photocatalytic field.

. The excellent wide spectrum responsive BiVO4/TiO2 heterostructure photocatalyst was prepared by a simple coupling method. In the experiment, strong photocatalytic activities towards the removal of gaseous benzene under various light sources irradiation were demonstrated. Compared with TiO2−xNx (nitrogen-doped TiO2), its efficiency of removing gaseous benzene and producing CO2 under visible light irradiation (450 nm < λ < 900 nm) was demonstrated more than 3 and 4 times, respectively. Such high conversion and mineralization ratio could be maintained for more than 50 h. Furthermore, the catalyst also presented notably high photocatalytic activities under simulated solar light and UV light irradiation. This improved wide spectrum responsive photocatalyst would be needed, which are of importance to the potential application in the photocatalytic field.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► A simple sol–gel method can synthesize the BiVO4/TiO2 heterostructure.
► Particular attention is given to its application of gaseous benzene degradation.
► The catalyst performs high activity under different light sources irradiation.
► It paves the road for the extensive industrial application of the behind.