Synthesis of Bi2WO6 photocatalyst modified by SDBS and photocatalytic performance under visible light

Bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) photocatalysts, which modified with different ratios of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and with enhanced visible light-driven activity, were synthesized by a facile solvothermal process. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopies, and X-ray photoelectron and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopies. SDBS addition was found to control particle morphology and improve photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6 catalysts. The solvent-thermal reaction time was critical in determining the catalysts’ structures and shapes and optimal at 16 h. Photocatalytic activities of SDBS–Bi2WO6 were determined by photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. Optical properties and TC degradation tests showed these SDBS–Bi2WO6 catalysts to exhibit enhanced visible light-driven photodegradation for TC. The photocatalytic activity for TC degradation was maximized at 90.39% after 90 min at 1.0 wt% SDBS dosage. In addition, the possible mechanisms for catalyst formation and photocatalytic degradation were discussed.