Studies on Cs_xWO₃/BiOCl composite as a novel visible light droven photocatalyst

In recent years, finding photocatalysts that can operate at a broad range of wavelengths is interesting in photocatalytic research field. In this study, Cs_xWO₃/BiOCl composites with different mass ratios of Cs_xWO₃ were synthesized by solid state calcination method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence emission spectroscopy, photocurrent and UV–vis. diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic activity of the products was evaluated through photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The results show that the photocatalytic activity of the Cs_xWO₃/BiOCl composite photocatalyst with the mass ratio 1/3 is better than the single Cs_xWO₃ and BiOCl. The significantly improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergetic effect of two semiconductors, such as the extended visible absorption and the promoted electron–hole pairs separation. The novel composite photocatalyst will have a great application potential in the field of environmental purification.