Sunlight-induced photocatalytic performance of Bi2WO6 hierarchical microspheres synthesized via a relatively green hydrothermal route

A relatively green hydrothermal route was employed to successfully synthesize Bi2WO6 hierarchical microspheres assembled by nanosheets. As-synthesized Bi2WO6 was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In acidic and neutral solutions, Bi2WO6 hierarchical microspheres exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under simulated sunlight irradiation. Bi2WO6 microspheres could keep stable in acidic and basic solutions. The photodegradation of RhB was achieved by holes and O2− radicals attack in the Bi2WO6 microspheres suspension.