Construction of α-β Phase Junction on Bi₄V₂O₁₁ via Electrospinning Retardation Effect and Its Promoted Photocatalytic Performance

The creation of a phase junction structure in photocatalysts is a wise approach to promote photocatalytic performance, as phase junctions possess the potential to inhibit the recombination of photoinduced charge carriers. Here, Bi₄V₂O₁₁ nanofibers with an α-β phase junction are fabricated via electrospinning with subsequent calcination. Electrospinning offers the opportunity to keep α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ from transforming into β-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ completely due to an electrospinning retardation effect, leading to the formation of an α-β Bi₄V₂O₁₁ phase junction. Furthermore, the α-β Bi₄V₂O₁₁ phase junction realizes a well-established type-II band alignment. Photoelectrochemical measurements and photoluminescence spectroscopic investigations demonstrate that the phase junction structure has a significant impact on the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. Thus, the α-β phase junction on Bi₄V₂O₁₁ holds the key to achieving promoted efficiency in the photocatalysis process.