Synthesis of C@Bi2MoO6 nanocomposites with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

Carbon–coated Bi 2 MoO 6 (C@BM) composites have been successfully synthesized via two–step hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure and photocatalytic performance of the composites in the degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) are characterized. The results show that the C@BM composites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance in the degradation of Rh B with maximum degradation rates of 90% (210   min) under visible light irradiation. 1.0%C@BM sample shows the highest photocatalytic activity, and the improved photocatalytic performance is mainly ascribed to the formation of Mo O C and Bi O C bonds. The bonds could promote electron transfer from Bi 2 MoO 6 to carbon layer and inhibit the recombination of electron–hole pairs with the presence of carbon layer in the composites. Moreover, the carbon layer on Bi 2 MoO 6 could enhance the absorption in the visible light region. In the photocatalytic degradation process, O 2 − and holes are the predominant active species for the decomposition of Rh B.