Abstract
Here, we report a simple and efficient strategy for evenly in situ growth of Cu2(OH)3F nanosheets on BiVO4 spheres as a novel photo-Fenton-like catalyst using hydrothermal method. The Cu2(OH)3F/BiVO4 composite catalysts showed great performance for the organic pollutants degradation under visible light irradiation due to the efficient electron transfer and copper species transformation. The synergetic between Cu2(OH)3F and BiVO4 not only promoted the separation of electrons and holes but also enhanced the Cu2+ reduction, thus produced more strong oxidative radicals under a wide pH value range. The activity of Cu2(OH)3F/BiVO4 composite for methylene blue degradation was 6.03 and 5.47 times more than that of pristine Cu2(OH)3F and BiVO4, respectively. The composite catalysts were characterized with various methods and their stability and adaptability were also evaluated. Finally, a possible photo-Fenton-like reaction mechanism was also proposed based on the band structure/position and reaction species.