Inducing photocatalysis by visible light beyond the absorption edge: Effect of upconversion agent on the photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6

Zhijie Zhang, Wenzhong Wang, Wenzong Yin, Meng Shang, Lu Wang, Songmei Sun

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

145 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In order to harvest the solar energy more efficiently, Bi2WO6 photocatalysts doped with Er3+ were synthesized, in which Er3+ with upconversion properties could transform visible light beyond the absorption edge of Bi2WO6 into ultraviolet light and activate Bi2WO6. The photocatalytic activities of the photocatalysts were evaluated by the decolorization of rhodamine B (RhB) and the degradation of a typical colorless model pollutant, phenol under simulated solar light irradiation (λ>290nm). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of Er3+-doped Bi2WO6 was much higher than the undoped one. In addition, Er3+-doped Bi2WO6 exhibited photocatalytic activity under a 3W LED with the wavelength beyond the absorption edge of Bi2WO6, further testifying the upconversion effect of Er3+ on the enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)68-73
Number of pages6
JournalApplied Catalysis B: Environmental
Volume101
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 22 2010
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Catalysis
  • Environmental Science(all)
  • Process Chemistry and Technology

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