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Three bismuth silicate-based photocatalysts (composites of Bi2SiO5 and Bi12SiO20) prepared via the hydro-/solvothermal approach were studied using electrochemical methods. The characteristic parameters of semiconductors, such as flat band potential, donor density, and mobility of their charge carriers, were obtained and compared with the materials’ photocatalytic activity. An attempt was made to study the effect of solution components on the semiconductor/liquid interface (SLI). In particular, the Mott–Schottky characterization was made in a common model electrolyte (Na2SO4) and with the addition of glycerol as a model organic compound for photocatalysis. Thus, a medium close to those in photocatalytic experiments was simulated, at least within the limits allowed by electrochemical measurements. Zeta-potential measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to reveal the processes taking place at the SLI. It was found that the medium in which measurements were carried out dramatically impacted the results. The flat band potential values (Efb) obtained via the Mott–Schottky technique were shown to differ significantly depending on the solution used in the experiment, which is explained by different processes taking place at the SLI. A strong influence of specific adsorption of commonly used sulfate ions and neutral molecules on the measured values of Efb was shown.

It was shown, that using of sodium metasilicate (Na sub(2) SiO sub(3)) as stabilizing agent for CdS quantum dots or Ag nanoparticles in water leads to the formation of stable colloids of CdS/SiO sub(3) super(2-) and Ag/SiO sub(3) super(2-) particles. These colloids are active in the visible range of the spectrum. According to TEM and UV-visible spectroscopy data, an average size of the particles in colloids was ~ 5 nm for CdS and 2-10 nm for Ag. Ag/SiO sub(3) super(2-) water colloids showed an absorption band with a maximum at 380-410 nm. This band belonged to surface plasmon resonance. CdS/SiO sub(3) super(2-) water dispersions were characterized by luminescence at the region of 500-800 nm. The luminescence intensity increased after addition of Ag+ into the colloids of CdS/SiO sub(3) super(2-).

SiO sub(2)-Cd sub(2) SiO sub(4)dS multicomponent composite materials were synthesized in several stages. The structure and morphology of powders obtained were studied. According to SEM data the size of individual particles was about 400 nm. Specific surface area for all the samples did not exceed 1 cm super(2)/g. It was found, that in contradistinction to CdS, composites obtained had high photo-corrosion resistance both to visible and UV-light. On the example of photodegradation of the dye Nile blue in water, it was shown that SiO sub(2)-Cd sub(2) SiO sub(4)dS composites had high photocatalytic activity in visible range.

SiO2-Cd2SiO4@CdS multicomponent composite materials were synthesized in several stages. The structure and morphology of powders obtained were studied. According to SEM data the size of individual particles was about 400 nm. Specific surface area for all the samples did not exceed 1 cm2/g. It was found, that in contradistinction to CdS, composites obtained had high photo-corrosion resistance both to visible and UV-light. On the example of photodegradation of the dye Nile blue in water, it was shown that SiO2-Cd2SiO4@CdS composites had high photocatalytic activity in visible range.

It was shown, that using of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3) as stabilizing agent for CdS quantum dots or Ag nanoparticles in water leads to the formation of stable colloids of CdS/SiO32- and Ag/SiO32- particles. These colloids are active in the visible range of the spectrum. According to TEM and UV-visible spectroscopy data, an average size of the particles in colloids was ∼ 5 nm for CdS and 2-10 nm for Ag. Ag/SiO32- water colloids showed an absorption band with a maximum at 380-410 nm. This band belonged to surface plasmon resonance. CdS/SiO32- water dispersions were characterized by luminescence at the region of 500-800 nm. The luminescence intensity increased after addition of Ag+ into the colloids of CdS/SiO32-.