Enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance of Ag3VO4/Bi2WO6 heterojunctions in removing aqueous dyes and tetracycline hydrochloride

Novel Ag 3 VO 4 /Bi 2 WO 6 heterojunctions were developed by in situ growing Ag 3 VO 4 particles onto Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheets. Ag 3 VO 4 /Bi 2 WO 6 heterojunction with an optimal Bi 2 WO 6 /Ag 3 VO 4 mass ratio of 10% exhibited much higher activity in the photocatalytic degradation of aqueous dyes and tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light ( λ   >   400   nm) irradiation than Ag 3 VO 4 , Bi 2 WO 6 , or a mechanical mixture of Bi 2 WO 6 and Ag 3 VO 4 . The heterojunction catalyst also had good recyclability. The upgraded photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of nanojunction between Ag 3 VO 4 and Bi 2 WO 6 . Photogenerated holes and superoxide radical anion are mainly responsible for the photocatalytic activity.