Visible light Bi2S3/BiFeO3 photocatalyst for effective removal of Rhodamine B

Abstract

Bi2S3-sensitized BiFO3 (BFO) photocatalyst (Bi2S3/BFO) was successfully synthesized through a facile and environmental ion exchange method between BFO and Thiosurea (H2NCSNH2, TU). The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). The obtained Bi2S3/BFO composites showed excellent photocatalytic performance for decomposing Rhodamine B (RhB) compared with pure BFO under visible light irradiation (λ>400nm). 5% Bi2S3/BFO exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity and excessive amount of Bi2S3 would result in the decrease of photocatalytic activity of BFO. The mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity was proposed on the basis of the calculated energy band positions.