Self-sacrificing template strategy to non-noble Bi modified BiVO4 for promoted visible light photocatalytic performance

Abstract Photoabsorption and charge separation are two critical factors in a photocatalytic process. Herein, Bi metal modified BiVO4 composite is prepared by a facile in-situ reduction method using BiVO4 as self-sacrificing template and NaBH4 as reducing agent at room temperature, to simultaneously enhance the visible light absorption and photogenerated charge separation. Compared to pristine BiVO4, the composite exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light. Besides, the separation and transfer efficiencies of photogenerated charge carriers are considerably improved after Bi modification. The work provides a new insight for constructing economically efficient composite photocatalysts by non-noble metals and semiconductors for environmental application.