Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of EuBO3 photocatalyst with different morphological characteristics

Three kinds of EuBO₃ photocatalysts with different morphological characteristics were successfully synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, surface chemical composition, and micromorphology features of the EuBO₃ photocatalysts were measured using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and BET-specific surface area measuring methods. The optical characteristics of all synthesized photocatalysts were described in detail by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements. The photocatalytic activity of all synthesized photocatalysts in the photodegradation of RhB under UV-light irradiation (λ > 254 nm) was determined. The EuBO₃(9) catalyst showed the highest photocatalytic activity among three kinds of photocatalysts with different morphologies. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the EuBO₃(9) photocatalyst is primarily attributed to the higher specific surface area than the other samples. Meanwhile, a possible mechanism for photocatalytic degradation was proposed.