From BiOCl to Bi2WO6 in Bi–W–Cl–O solvothermal system: phase-morphology evolution and photocatalytic performance

The phase and morphology evolution in the Bi-W-Cl-O solvothermal system was investigated. The products were characterised by X-ray diffraction, SEM and high resolution TEM. The optical properties and photocatalytic performance of the samples were evaluated. The results show that the composite Bi2WO6/BiOCl sample was obtained for the reaction time of 15 h. The light absorption ability and the photodegradation efficiency were enhanced obviously for Bi2WO6/BiOCl. The mechanisms for the formation of the composite and the optimisation of the photocatalytic activity were also discussed.