Enhanced photocatalytic performance of bismuth vanadate assisted by polyoxometalates and phthalocyanine

Abstract

In this study, H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ (PW₁₂) and binuclear phthalocyanine (bi-CoPc)-modified nanofilms PW₁₂–BiVO₄–bi-CoPc were prepared by a modified metal–organic decomposition method. The photocatalytic performances of BiVO₄ and PW₁₂–BiVO₄–bi-CoPc have been investigated by photocatalytic degradation of nitrogen dioxide under visible light irradiation. The PW₁₂ could act as an electron acceptor and transfer electrons, while the bi-CoPc functioned as a hole-transporting material to enhance the photocatalytic activity of bismuth vanadate. Under illumination with visible light, PW₁₂–BVO–bi-CoPc nanofilms exhibit a 3-fold enhancement in photocatalytic degradation of NO₂. Transient photocurrent experiments and fluorescence spectroscopy were also performed to confirm the above conclusions.