Enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiOBr/ZnWO4 heterojunction: A combined experimental and DFT-based theoretical approach

We report a successful fabrication of BiOBr/ZnWO4 heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic performance for degrading Rhodamine B dye validated by joint experimental and theoretical approaches. The structural and microstructural analysis indicate that the heterostructures consist of a mixed tetragonal/monoclinic phase with enhanced surface area, which is crucial for photocatalysis. The results indicate increased photocatalytic activity for heterojunctions since BiOBr/ZnWO4 heterostructure showed a better degradation rate for Rhodamine B dye as compared to BiOBr due to higher surface area, pore size, and better photogenerated electron-hole pair sep-aration efficiency. Additional analyses using isopropanol, benzoquinone, and sodium azide scavengers analysis were performed, showing that superoxide radicals (O ' 2) as the main responsible for the photocatalytic degra-dation of investigated materials. The theoretical analysis offers a complete overview of the composition and electronic structure of the interface.