The photocatalytic performance of Bi₂WO₆ spherical particles with controlled porosity

Solid B₂WO₆ particles were synthesized synthesized particles were in spherical shape and well crystalized. Porous structured Bi₂WO₆ particles were by a hydrothermal reaction. SEM and TEM characterizations showed that the as- obtained by chemically etching solid Bi₂WO₆ particles. The experiments showed that a longer etching time resulted in a higher porosity of the products. The photocatalytic performance of both solid and porous Bi₂WO₆ particles was investigated in methyl blue degradation reaction under visible light irradiation. The corresponding results showed that the particles with higher porosity showed a higher photocatalytic performance because of increased number of active sites. The stability testing showed that porous Bi₂WO₆ particles had a high stability over photocorrosion in photocatalytic reactions. (paper)