Preparation and visible light responsive photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4/Ni-Al-Ce LDH/Bi2WO6 composites

Abstract

Novel Fe3O4/Ni-Al-Ce LDH/Bi2WO6 composites were prepared through a hydrothermal method and co-precipitation method. The morphologies and structures of the photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, Raman, TEM, UV-vis-DRS, BET surface area and VSM techniques. The photocatalytic performances of the photocatalysts were investigated by the decolorization of methyl orange (MO) under visible-light irradiation. The results showed that the Fe3O4/Ni-Al-Ce LDH/Bi2WO6 composites exhibited greater photocatalytic activities compared to pure Bi2WO6 and the Ni-Al-Ce LDH; the decolorization rate of MO was 87% within 60 min under visible-light irradiation. The decolorization efficiency of the composite material remained at 71% after 4 recycling runs, showing improved stability. Furthermore, the experimental results also showed that the photocatalytic reactions for the composites followed first-order reaction kinetics. Therefore, the Fe3O4/Ni-Al-Ce LDH/Bi2WO6 composites were photocatalysts with high efficiencies and stabilities for a photocatalytic reaction of an organic pollutant, and this study provides a new, effective method for the development of wastewater treatment.