In this work, CuO/Bi3NbO7 p–n heterojunction photocatalyst was designed and successfully prepared, in order to overcome

the problems, such as high recombination rate of photo-generated carriers, limited light absorption range and so on.

The resulted samples were characterized by techniques, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, UV–vis DRS, BET, electrochemical

test. The visible light degradation performance for MB was investigated. The effects of CuO composite ratio, initial MB

concentration, catalyst addition amount and pH on the catalytic activity were discussed. The experimental results showed

that CuO nanoparticles were successfully loaded on Bi3NbO7,

and the composite catalyst exhibited a loose and porous

morphology. The combination of CuO not only improved the absorption capacity for visible light, but also promoted the

transfer of photo-generated electrons and holes, and improved the photocatalytic activity of Bi3NbO7.

Under the optimized

experimental conditions, after visible light irradiation for 180 min, the degradation efficiencies of MB and TC on CuO/

Bi3NbO7 composite with 5 wt % CuO loading reached 96% and 99%, respectively, which were higher than that of bulk

Bi3NbO7.

This p–n heterojunction promoted the separation of photo-generated charges. It provides a reference for improving

the photocatalytic activity of Bi3NbO7.