A π-π stacking perylene imide/Bi₂WO₆ hybrid with dual transfer approach for enhanced photocatalytic degradation

A new broad-spectrum responsive organic-inorganic hybrid photocatalyst (PI@BWO) was successfully prepared by in-situ growing Bi₂WO₆ nanosheets onto the surface of π-π stacking perylene imide. The obtained PI@BWO hybrids with different composition exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for Bisphenol A (BPA) degradation. Among them, 30% PI@BWO exhibited optimal photocatalytic degradation efficiency, which is 2.6 and 3.9 times higher than that of pristine PI and BWO, respectively. Furthermore, PI@BWO also performed good stability and recyclability. Remarkably, the π-conjugation of PI facilitated the separation of charge carriers and improved the utilization of sunlight for PI@BWO. The introduction of BWO nanosheets also enhanced the adsorption capacity for contaminants and provided much more plentiful active sites, promoting the next photocatalytic reaction. Most importantly, PI@BWO could produce abundant reactive species (such as ¹O₂ and ·OH) via the charge carrier transfer and energy transfer dual transfer approach, therefore leading to stronger oxidation ability. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism and pathway of the PI@BWO hybrids were finally proposed. Overall, this present work might provide a new insight into the designing and preparation of efficient organic-inorganic hybrid photocatalysts for environmental-friendly removal of hazardous organic pollutants.