Construction of α–β Phase Junction on Bi4V2O11 via Electrospinning Retardation Effect and Its Promoted Photocatalytic Performance

The creation of a phase junction structure in photocatalysts is a wise approach to promote photocatalytic performance, as phase junctions possess the potential to inhibit the recombination of photoinduced charge carriers. Here, Bi4V2O11 nanofibers with an α–β phase junction are fabricated via electrospinning with subsequent calcination. Electrospinning offers the opportunity to keep α-Bi4V2O11 from transforming into β-Bi4V2O11 completely due to an electrospinning retardation effect, leading to the formation of an α–β Bi4V2O11 phase junction. Furthermore, the α–β Bi4V2O11 phase junction realizes a well-established type-II band alignment. Photoelectrochemical measurements and photoluminescence spectroscopic investigations demonstrate that the phase junction structure has a significant impact on the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. Thus, the α–β phase junction on Bi4V2O11 holds the key to achieving promoted efficiency in the photocatalysis process.