Preparation and evaluation of a hierarchical Bi2MoO6/MSB composite for visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance

Abstract

In this study, waste mussel shells were used to remove dyes in aqueous solution. Mussel shell was prepared into mussel shell biochar (MSB), which was used as a carrier to support Bi₂MoO₆. A novel Bi₂MoO₆/MSB composite photocatalyst was developed by the hydrothermal synthesis method. The as-synthesized sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N₂ adsorption–desorption method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). Then, the photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples was determined by testing the photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. The pre exfoliated layered MSB was an excellent supporting matrix for the growth of Bi₂MoO₆ nanoflakes. The obtained hierarchical Bi₂MoO₆/MSB composites exhibited significantly enhanced performance for photocatalytic degradation of RhB compared with pure Bi₂MoO₆ under visible light irradiation because of the improved electron–hole pair separation, which boosted the number of exposed catalytic active sites. Moreover, the Bi₂MoO₆/MSB composite photocatalyst is of good stability and reusability.