One-pot electrodeposition synthesis of Bi 2 WO 6 /graphene composites for photocatalytic applications under visible light irradiation

Abstract Bi 2 WO 6 and Bi 2 WO 6 /graphene particles were synthesized by electrodeposition. The concentration of graphene in Bi 2 WO 6 /graphene composites was controlled. The impact of graphene concentration on particle morphology and surface area was investigated. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the crystal structures of the as-synthesized particles. The photocatalytic performance of both Bi 2 WO 6 and Bi 2 WO 6 /graphene particles was investigated by degrading methylene blue in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The results showed that at medium concentration of graphene, the photocatalytic performance was the best, which could be attributed to the increased electron/hole separation during the photocatalysis. A further increased concentration of graphene decreased the photocatalytic performance of Bi 2 WO 6 /graphene, which could be attributed to its prevention of the irradiation reaching the surface of Bi 2 WO 6 .