ZrO2-incorporated Bi6O6(OH)3(NO3)3·1.5H2O with superior photocatalytic activity for degradation of malachite green

Abstract

Bi₆O₆(OH)₃(NO₃)₃·1.5H₂O and ZrO₂-modified Bi₆O₆(OH)₃(NO₃)₃·1.5H₂O as novel photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and utilized in aqueous solution for the photocatalytic degradation of malachite green. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area analysis and UV-vis reflectance spectrum. Comparing with the samples synthesized via bare Bi₆O₆(OH)₃(NO₃)₃·1.5H₂O, the ZrO₂-modified sample exhibits higher catalytic activity and more durable stability in the photodegradation of malachite green. The electronic band structure was determined by the combination of optical absorption spectra and Mott–Schottky plots. Base on the research of structural characterization, band gap structure and electrochemical tests, the possible reasons for enhance photocatalytic performance by ZrO₂-incorporation were proposed. It has been considered that the large specific surface area, more positive position of valance band and higher migration rate of photogenerated carriers have strong influence on the improvement of photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the ZrO₂-modification delays photo corrosion behavior resulting in higher stability under irradiation.