Improvement of Photocatalytic Performance by Building Multiple Heterojunction Structures of Anatase–Rutile/BiOI Composite Fibers

Abstract

In this study, multiple heterojunction structures of anatase–rutile/Bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) composite fibers are designed by the combined method of electrospinning and hydrothermal techniques. The influence of different Ti/Bi atomic ratios ([Ti/Bi]) on the nanostructures and photocatalytic properties are investigated. It is found that the morphology of BiOI covered on the TiO2 fiber surface changed with [Ti/Bi] from nanosheets to submicron spheres structures. Additionally, the crystallization of the composite fibers including the phases of anatase, rutile, and BiOI is identified, theses phases are in close contact with each other, and the interfacial effects are helpful to form the multiple heterojunctions which lead to blue shifts on the chemical state of Ti. The absorption of visible light has been improved by compositing BiOI on TiO2, while the band gap values of the composite fibers are significantly reduced, which can enhance the generation and separation of electrons and holes. For the case of [Ti/Bi] = 1.57, the photodegradation rate of anatase–rutile/BiOI composite fibers is about 12 times that of pure TiO2. For the photocatalytic mechanism, the synergistic s-type heterojunctions increase the content of active oxides which have a positive effect on the degradation rate.