Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Performance of a Novel Spindle-Like BiVO4/Bi2MoO6 Heterostructure with Photocarrier Relaxation Behavior

Novel spindle-like BiVO4/Bi2MoO6 composites with photocarrier relaxation behavior were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method. The results showed that the morphology of composites could be easily adjusted by changing the molar ratio of V/Mo. When the molar ratio of V/Mo was 4:1 to 2:1, a spindle-like appearance could be obtained. Compared to the pure BiVO4 and Bi2MoO6, BiVO4/Bi2MoO6 composites exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity, especially for the catalyst with V/Mo molar ratio of 2:1 showing the best catalytic performance. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was systematically analyzed by the UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra and photoelectrochemical properties. The results showed that the photocatalytic performance of the material can be improved not only by forming a heterojunction, but also by utilizing relaxation behavior.Graphical abstract