Fluorescent Scandium Microspheres for Highly Efficient White-Light Photocatalysis

Efficient photocatalysts play an important role in the various fields such as pollutant treatment and the generation of clean energy. Therefore, developing a photocatalyst with high activity is of great significance. Herein, scandium-based fluorescent microspheres (Sc-FMs) are facilely prepared through the one-pot hydrothermal polymerization of scandium ions and tartaric acid. The prepared Sc-FMs show strong blue solid-state fluorescence, with a maximum emission at 412 nm. Meanwhile, Sc-FMs possess a strong white-light photocatalysis ability, which can be used for the photodegradation of dye pollutants (rhodamine 6 G) under low power white light without the assistance of any radical generating agents. In addition, the Sc-FMs display good stability and recyclability. As a result, this new and efficient Sc-FMs photocatalysts hold a promise for potential applications in environmental treatment.