CuTCPP/BiPO4 composite with enhanced visible light absorption and charge separation

In order to extend the photo-absorption range of BiPO4, a sensitizer, Cu(II) meso-Tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (CuTCPP) was introduced and a CuTCPP/BiPO4 composite was designed. The CuTCPP/BiPO4 composite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and phenol under simulated solar light irradiation, which can be attributed to the increased visible-light harvesting ability and charge separation efficiency of the CuTCPP/BiPO4 composite. This study shows that porphyrin derivatives can be an ideal sensitizer in the design of highly efficient photocatalysts for increasing the availability of solar light.