The gas-phase photocatalytic mineralization of benzene over visible-light-driven Bi2WO6@C microspheres

Bi2WO6-coated carbon (Bi2WO6@C) microspheres were prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method using glucose as a carbon source. The physicochemical properties of the prepared microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared sample was determined by degradation of gas-phase benzene under visible-light irradiation, and was compared to N-doped TiO2. It was revealed that the photocatalytic performance of the Bi2WO6 was enhanced greatly by the doping of carbon microspheres. The photocatalytic conversion rate and mineralization rate of benzene over the Bi2WO6@C microspheres were 42.6% and 80.0% respectively, which were much higher than that of N-doped TiO2.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights►Photocatalyst with controllable morphology and structure. ►Well-dispersed Bi2WO6 on carbon microspheres. ►Carbon microspheres promote Bi2WO6 performance towards benzene photodegradation.