Broom-like Bi2Mo0·5W0·5O6 solid solution synthesised via one step template-free hydrothermal process and enhanced visible light driven photocatalytic activities

A broom-like hierarchical structure of Bi2Mo0·5W0·5O6 solid solution from nanoplates has been successfully synthesised through a facile hydrothermal process in the absence of a surfactant. The broom-like hierarchical structures have an average length of about 3–4 μm and width of 1·5 μm, and are composed of oblong nanosheets with a length of several hundred nanometres, a width of ∼600 nm and a thickness of ∼50 nm. The results show that citrate and NaHCO3 played vital roles in the formation process of the broom-like Bi2Mo0·5W0·5O6 hierarchical structures in the reaction system. On the basis of X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observation of the product, the formation mechanism of broom-like Bi2Mo0·5W0·5O6 was proposed. Ultraviolet-vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicated that the as synthesised Bi2Mo0·5W0·5O6 had absorption in both UV and visible light areas. Broom-like Bi2Mo0·5W0·5O6 solid solution exhibited good photocatalytic activity in de...