The synthesis of Bi2S3/2D-Bi2WO6 composite materials with enhanced photocatalytic activities

Abstract Bi 2 S 3 /2D-Bi 2 WO 6 composite materials which combined 2D-Bi 2 WO 6 with Bi 2 S 3 nanoparticles were prepared via ion exchange method. The mass ratio of Bi 2 S 3 nanoparticle could be modulated by changing the quantity of thioacetamide (TAA). For Bi 2 S 3 /2D-Bi 2 WO 6 composite materials, Bi 2 S 3 nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheets. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photodegradation rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light. RhB was photodegraded nearly completely by BWS-2, while only 67% was photodegraded by Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheet after 5 h' visible light irradiation. Based on the optical and electrochemical measurements, Bi 2 S 3 /2D-Bi 2 WO 6 composite materials have prolonged carriers' lifetime, improved carriers' separation efficiency and decreased carriers' recombination efficiency. These results endow Bi 2 S 3 /2D-Bi 2 WO 6 composite materials with high photocatalytic activities.