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

Bi₂S₃/2D-Bi₂WO₆ composite materials which combined 2D-Bi₂WO₆ with Bi₂S₃ nanoparticles were prepared via ion exchange method. The mass ratio of Bi₂S₃ nanoparticle could be modulated by changing the quantity of thioacetamide (TAA). For Bi₂S₃/2D-Bi₂WO₆ composite materials, Bi₂S₃ nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of Bi₂WO₆ 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 Bi₂WO₆ nanosheet after 5 h' visible light irradiation. Based on the optical and electrochemical measurements, Bi₂S₃/2D-Bi₂WO₆ composite materials have prolonged carriers' lifetime, improved carriers' separation efficiency and decreased carriers' recombination efficiency. These results endow Bi₂S₃/2D-Bi₂WO₆ composite materials with high photocatalytic activities.