g-C3N4/Bi2WO6 composite photocatalysts with Post-illumination photocatalytic “memory” activity

g-C3N4/Bi2WO6 composite photocatalyst was synthesized using a hydrothermal process, the resulting composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic and Post-illumination photocatalytic "memory" activity for the continuous degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation and dark. This distinctive effect was verified with electrochemical tests and in-situ XPS analysis, the photogenerated electrons in g-C3N4/Bi2WO6 could be stored by reducing W6+ to W5+ and then released via W5+ switched to W6+ in dark to create active free radicals, which for the degradation of pollutants. This study provides a new strategy to achieve continuous removal of pollutants from wastewater during light and dark.