Novel carbon sphere@Bi2MoO6 core–shell structure for efficient visible light photocatalysis

Abstract

Carbon sphere (CS)@Bi₂MoO₆ core–shell structure (CS@BMO) composites were successfully synthesized via a solvothermal reaction of CSs and Bi₂MoO₆ precursors in the mixed solution of ethylene glycol and ethanol. The morphology, structure and photocatalytic performance of the composites in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectra and nitrogen adsorption–desorption, respectively. The results show that the CS@BMO composites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance for degradation of RhB with a maximum degradation rate of 95% under visible light irradiation compared with the pure Bi₂MoO₆. The improved photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the enhanced specific surface area and light absorption as well as the reduced electron–hole pair recombination with the presence of CSs in the composites.