Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in Pr3+-doped Bi2WO6 Through Nd3+ Co-Doping

Nd/Pr co-doped Bi2WO6 photocatalytic materials were prepared via a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The physicochemical properties of the prepared samples were characterized by XRD, Raman, UV-Vis DRS, PL, SEM, BET analysis and photocatalytic tests. The results showed the co-dopants of Nd and Pr ions with the concentration of 1% Nd and 1% Pr exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. Rhodamine B (RhB) was almost completely degraded within only 10 min. The increased photocatalytic activity on the co-doped Bi2WO6 is attributed to the increasing specific surface area, the inhibited recombination of photogenerated carriers and the reduced band gap energy. This study provides a helpful strategy for developing effective photocatalysts.