In situ synthesis of Bi2S3/Bi2SiO5 heterojunction photocatalysts with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

In order to improve the photocatalytic activity of Bi₂SiO₅ under visible light irradiation, Bi₂S₃/Bi₂SiO₅ heterojunctions were synthesized through a facile in situ ion exchange method. Thioacetamide (TAA) is regarded as the appropriate sulfur source. The as-prepared samples of Bi₂SiO₅ and Bi₂S₃/Bi₂SiO₅ were systematically characterized by XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, XPS, PL, UV-vis DRS and BET techniques. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by degrading rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light and UV-vis light irradiation, respectively. Bi₂S₃/Bi₂SiO₅ heterojunctions show enhanced photocatalytic activities under visible light irradiation. Further investigation reveals that ion exchange reaction time plays an important role in the photocatalytic efficiency. The mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic activity was proposed.