Fe3O4/WO3 Hierarchical Core–Shell Structure: High‐Performance and Recyclable Visible‐Light Photocatalysis

Abstract

A facile solvothermal epitaxial growth combined with a mild oxidation route has been developed for the fabrication of a magnetically recyclable Fe 3 O 4/WO 3 core–shell visible‐light photocatalyst. In this core–shell structured photocatalyst, visible‐light‐active WO 3 nanoplates (the shells) with high surface area are used as a medium to harvest absorbed photons and convert them to photogenerated charges, while conductive Fe 3 O 4 microspheres (the cores) are used as charge collectors to transport the photogenerated charges. This is a new role for magnetite. The Fe 3 O 4/WO 3 core–shell structured photocatalysts possess large surface‐exposure area, high visible‐light‐absorption efficiency, stable recyclability, and efficient charge‐separation properties, the combination of which has rarely been reported in other visible‐light‐active photocatalysts. Photoelectrochemical investigations verify that the core–shell structured Fe 3 O 4/WO 3 has a more effective photoconversion capability than pure WO 3 or Fe 3 O 4. At the same time, the visible‐light photocatalytic ability of the Fe 3 O 4/WO 3 photocatalyst has significantly enhanced activity in the photodegradation of organic‐dye materials. The results presented herein provide new insights into core–shell materials as high‐performance visible‐light photocatalysts and their potential use in environmental protection.