Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol-Containing Wastewater over Cu-Bi2WO6 Composite under Visible Light Irradiation

ABSTRACT: A semiconductor-based Cu-doped Bi2WO6 photocatalyst was synthesized successfully via the hydrothermal method. As-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, UV-vis DRS, SEM, and specific surface area. Results revealed that Cu-Bi2WO6 presented a structure of porous microspheres and a nanosheet as well as a crystal structure of orthorhombic phase. Photocatalytic properties were evaluated by degrading phenol-containing wastewater under visible light irradiation. Results showed that Cu-Bi2WO6 can display a more improved photocatalytic oxidative ability than pure Bi2WO6. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of photocatalysis has been addressed