The improved photocatalytic activity of CaWO4 nanorods by loading Bi on the surface

The photocatalysis of organic contaminants in water is particularly interesting in recent years. Non-noble semimetal bismuch (Bi) has come into notice because of its inexpensiveness and effective surface plasmon response (SPR) that could enhance the photocatalytic activities of photocatalysts. Herein, we reported the synthesis of CaWO4 and Bi@CaWO4 photocatalysts with rod-like microstructure. The synthesized CaWO4 and Bi@CaWO4 photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, TEM, EDS and DRS technologies. The photochemical performance and the photocatalytic activities of them were also inquired into. Bi@CaWO4 nanorods show the enhancement of photocatalytic activity comparing with the CaWO4 nanorods, which is induced by the SPR effect originating from non-noble Bi. The SPR effect results in the bumper harvest of visible light, efficient charge separation and transfer. Therefore, the photocatalutic activity of CaWO4 is enhanced by loading Bi on the surface.