Bi2MoO6 nanosheets deposited TiO2 nanobelts with spatially branched hierarchical heterostructure for enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

• Bi2MoO6 nanosheets–TiO2 nanobelts with spatially branched hierarchical heterostructure was prepared for the first time.
• The heterostructured composites exhibited high photocatalytic activity for X-3B degradation.
• The enhanced activity can be ascribed to boosted efficiency of light harvesting.
• The enhanced activity can also be ascribed to enhanced efficiency of charge transportation and separation.

In the present work, Bi2MoO6 nanosheets deposited TiO2 nanobelts with spatially branched hierarchical heterostructure were synthesized by a solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). Results showed that depositing Bi2MoO6 nanosheets on the surface of TiO2 nanobelts boosted the efficiency of light harvesting, which can be ascribed to reduced reflection and multi-scattering because of this special 2D–1D structure. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by degradation of reactive brilliant dye X-3B (C.I. Reactive Red 2) under visible light irradiation. The results indicated that the dosage of Bi2MoO6 had a great influence on the photocatalytic activity. The enhanced activity can be ascribed to the formation of heterojunctions between Bi2MoO6 and TiO2, which can accelerate the charge transportation and separation. The enhanced activity can also be ascribed to the boosted efficiency of light harvesting. The mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of X-3B by the as obtained heterostructures was also discussed. This study may contribute to practical application of titania based heterostructures in wastewater treatment.

In the present work, Bi2MoO6 nanosheets deposited TiO2 nanobelt heterostructured photocatalysts were synthesized for the first time. The obtained samples shows a 2D–1D spatially branched hierarchical heterostructure. The photocatalytic activities were investigated by degradation of reactive brilliant dye X-3B under visible light irradiation. The results indicated that the special structure induced to the high activity due to boosted efficiency of light harvesting, charge transportation and separation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide