Large improvement of photo-response of CuPc sensitized Bi(2)WO(6) with enhanced photocatalytic activity.
In order to harvest the solar energy more efficiently, a novel photocatalyst was designed by introducing an organic dye sensitizer, copper phthalocyanine (CuPc), into an inorganic semiconductor Bi(2)WO(6). This composite photocatalyst exhibited an improved photo-response in the whole visible spectrum and even the near infrared region. Under a red LED (λ = 620 nm) irradiation, the CuPc/Bi(2)WO(6)/FTO electrode showed photocurrent response. The photo-degradation of RhB and phenol under simulated solar light demonstrated that the CuPc-Bi(2)WO(6) composite exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than bare Bi(2)WO(6). Moreover, the composite photocatalyst also showed photo-activity under a red LED (λ = 620 nm) irradiation, further testifying the sensitization effect of CuPc. This study provides a new strategy to increase the utilization rate of solar energy substantially.
State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1295 Dingxi Road, Shanghai 200050, PR China.
Zhijie
Z
Zhang
Wenzhong
W
Wang
Ling
L
Zhang