Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6 doped with upconversion luminescence agent

In order to utilize visible light more effectively, a novel Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Bi2WO6 photocatalyst was designed, in which Er3+:Y3Al5O12 is a kind of upconversion luminescence agent and can emit ultraviolet light under visible light excitation. The photo-degradation of a typical model pollutant, phenol, demonstrated that Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Bi2WO6 photocatalyst exhibited much enhanced photo-activity than bare Bi2WO6 under simulated solar light irradiation. Moreover, the Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Bi2WO6 photocatalyst also showed photo-activity under visible light with wavelengths beyond the absorption edge of Bi2WO6, further testifying the upconversion effect of Er3+:Y3Al5O12.

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► Er3+:Y3Al5O12 can transform visible light into ultraviolet light and excite Bi2WO6.
► Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Bi2WO6 shows better activity than Bi2WO6 under simulated solar light.
► Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Bi2WO6 can degrade phenol under green light and red light.