Preparation and photocatalytic properties of a CdWO4/Bi2WO6 binary heterojunction

Abstract

A unique flower-shaped CdWO₄/Bi₂WO₆ nano-heterojunction is successfully synthesized using a straightforward hydrothermal process. The crystallographic structure, microscopic structure, and electrochemical and optical features of the samples were systematically analyzed. The Z-scheme heterojunction (CdWO₄/Bi₂WO₆-3 nano-heterojunction) has an extraordinary photocatalytic capability, with a 97.54% degradation rate of rhodamine B (RhB) when exposed to visible light. Investigating the potential mechanism of photocatalysis in detail, we determined that the band structure and Fermi level of semiconductors are critical for the formation of Z-type heterojunctions. This research presents a methodology for developing and designing Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts that can be utilized in the field of wastewater purification.