Photocatalysis coupled with thermal effect induced by SPR on Ag-loaded Bi₂WO₆ with enhanced photocatalytic activity

The temperature dependence of the photocatalytic activity of Bi ₂WO₆ was studied and the results showed that a higher reaction temperature can facilitate the photocatalytic process. On the other hand, it is well-known that the excitation of localized plasmon polaritons at well-defined wavelengths on the surface of silver (Ag) nanoparticles causes a tremendous thermal effect. Thus, it is expected that the photocatalytic activity of Bi₂WO₆ would be enhanced if it was coupled with the thermal effect induced by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Ag. Herein, this idea is realized. The measured photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light, monitored by the decomposition of phenol, demonstrated that Ag loading could significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of Bi₂WO ₆. The enhanced photoactivity can be ascribed to the synergistic effect brought by electronic effect of Ag nanoparticles and thermal effect induced by SPR. This work provides some insights into the rational design and development of high-performance photocatalysts.