Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of heterojunction ZnFe2O4–BiVO4

A n-n-type heterojunction ZnFe2O4–BiVO4 is prepared using chemical coprecipitation method. The heterojunction shows a higher photocatalytic activity than pure BiVO4 or ZnFe2O4. Because ZnFe2O4 possesses a narrow band gap, which enables the ZnFe2O4–BiVO4 to increase visible light absorption and further to generate more photo-produced electrons than pure BiVO4 or ZnFe2O4. In this paper, the mechanism of the enhancement of photocatalytic activity is interpreted in detail. In fact, the as-prepared heterojunction ZnFe2O4–BiVO4 has potential application in decomposing water under solar light. Meanwhile, we also hope that this work can provide a simple preparation method for functional materials.