Visible-light-active ‘bismuth tungstate/curcuma longa’ z-scheme heterostructured photocatalyst for the degradation of methyl orange and phenol

In the present work, bismuth tungstate nanoflowers were fabricated via hydrolysis method using curcuma longa extract (Bi₂WO₆-G) and without extract (Bi₂WO₆-C). The analytes were characterized using X-ray diffraction, BET, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV–vis. DRS Spectroscopy. The as-fabricated nanostructures have been tested for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye and a recalcitrant pollutant ‘phenol’. The present study showcased the effect of curcuma longa extract, an efficient adsorbent “curcuma longa” which is a rhizome of yellow turmeric on Bismuth tungstate photocatalyst. The improved photocatalytic performance of Bi₂WO₆/curcuma longa (Bi₂WO₆-G) heterostructure was mainly ascribed to the unique hierarchical structure, harvesting extended absorption of visible light, higher surface area and inhibiting recombination of photogenerated charges. The current findings may provide new insights to the effect of green extracts for fabrication of nanomaterials for enhanced photocatalytic efficiency.