Synthesis and study of Bi_2Ti_2O_7/TiO_2 composites as efficient visible-light-active photocatalysts in the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI)

摘要

In this work, Bi_2Ti_2O_7/TiO_2 composites were synthesized and studied as potential visible-light-activated photocatalysts in the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI). Bi_2Ti_2O_7/TiO_2 composites with tunable compositions were synthesized via a solvothermal-calcination two-step method, simply by changing the molar ratios of Bi(NO_3)_3·5H_2O to tetrabutyl titanate in the reactants. The compositions, structures and optical properties of the as-synthesized Bi_2Ti_2O_7/TiO_2 composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized Bi_2Ti_2O_7/TiO_2 composites was tested in the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI)under visible-light(λ>420 nm) irradiation, and compared with that of TiO_2 nanoparticles. It was observed that the as-synthesized Bi_2Ti_2O_7/TiO_2 composites exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than TiO_2 nanoparticles, and the most efficient composite(300 mg) can achieve the complete reduction of Cr(VI) in 300 mL of 50 mg/L K_2Cr_2O_7 aqueous solution under visible-light(λ>420 nm)irradiation in 90 min.