Self-assembled three-dimensional hierarchical Bi_2WO_6 microspheres by sol-gel-hydrothermal route

摘要

Self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical Bi_2WO_6 microspheres built from 2D nanoplates alignment were successfully prepared by the sol-gel-hydrothermal route. Based on X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy observation of the products at different reaction time periods, the formation mechanism of 3D hierarchical Bi_2WO_6 microspheres was proposed. UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicated that the obtained 3D hierarchical Bi_2WO_6 microspheres had enhanced absorption in both UV and visible light regions. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared products were evaluated by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue solution under visible light irradiation. Due to the structural feature and good optical quality, Bi_2WO_6 prepared by the sol-gel-hydrothermal route possessed the highest photocatalytic activity than those of Bi_2WO_6 samples prepared by hydrothermal and sol-gel routes.