Photocatalytic selective oxidation of HMF to DFF over Bi2WO6/mpg–C3N4 composite under visible light

Bi 2 WO 6 /mpg–C 3 N 4 composite catalyst was prepared by hydrothermal method and applied in the partial oxidation of HMF to DFF by photocatalytic approach. The 12% Bi 2 WO 6 /mpg–C 3 N 4 composite exhibits the highest catalytic performance, with the HMF conversion of 59.3% and the DFF selectivity of 84.3% after 6 h. This may be primarily ascribed to the synergetic effect of Bi 2 WO 6 and mpg–C 3 N 4 on photogenerated charges separation through the charge transfer between the two semiconductors. Based on the reactive species trapping experiment, it is concluded that ·O 2 − plays a significant part to convert HMF into DFF and the electron–hole separation follows a Z‐scheme mechanism.