Enhancement of photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6 nanoparticles by Pt deposition

Bi2WO6 nanoparticles were prepared using a hydrothermal method, and Pt was immobilized on the surface of Bi2WO6 via a photo-assisted deposition (PAD) method. The samples produced were characterized using X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence emission spectra, transmission electron microscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and surface area measurements. Furthermore, the catalytic performance of the Bi2WO6 and Pt/Bi2WO6 samples was examined in the degradation of methyl orange dye (MO) under visible light. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) results, which showed the presence of peaks assigned to the Pt–Pt at approximately 2.50 Å, indicate the formation of nanoscale Pt features. The UV–vis spectral analysis detected a red shift after loading the Pt into the Bi2WO6. The maximum degradation efficiency achieved was 100% with 0.3 Pt/Bi2WO6 as the photocatalyst after a 30-min reaction time. The catalyst could be reused without any loss in activity for the first five cycles.