CuPc sensitized Bi2MoO6 with remarkable photo-response and enhanced photocatalytic activity

• Bi2MoO6 was modified with an organic dye sensitizer, copper phthalocyanine (CuPc).
• CuPc/Bi2MoO6 composite showed photo-response in the whole visible spectrum.
• CuPc/Bi2MoO6 composite exhibited much higher photo-activity than bare Bi2MoO6.

Much enhanced photo-absorption of Bi2MoO6 was realized by introduction of an organic dye sensitizer, copper phthalocyanine (CuPc). The CuPc/Bi2MoO6 composite photocatalyst showed photo-response in the whole visible spectrum and even the near infrared region. As a result, it exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than bare Bi2MoO6 in photo-degradation of RhB and phenol under simulated solar light. Moreover, the sensitization effect of CuPc was testified by photo-degradation of RhB under a red LED (λ = 620 nm) irradiation.