Synergistic effect of Cu-ion and WO3 nanofibers on the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B and aniline solution

In this work, a series of efficient visible-light-driven WO 3 /Cu (II) nanofiber photocatalysts, with superior photocatalytic activities for the degradation of dyes and aniline, were prepared by electrospinning and impregnation methods. The impregnation method brought about homogeneous distribution of Cu (II) species on the surface of WO 3 nanofibers. The prepared WO 3 /Cu (II) nanofiber photocatalysts exhibited enhanced visible-light absorption and reduced charge recombination, as compared to pure WO 3 nanofibers, due to the interfacial charge transfer (IFCT) effect between the Cu (II) species and WO 3 . The combined benefits of the grafting Cu (II) species on the surface of WO 3 , in terms of optical, surface, and texture properties, led to a significant improvement in the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) and aniline under conditions of visible light irradiation. Upon the irradiation with visible light in the presence of WO 3 /Cu (II)-2% photocatalyst, the concentration of Rhodamine B (Rh B) decreased from 10 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L, and that of aniline solution decreased from 5 mg/L to 0.728 mg/L over a period of 3 h. And after running five cycles, the concentration of aniline solution could decrease from 5 mg/L to 0.89 mg/L by WO 3 /Cu (II)-2% photocatalyst.