LAUSR

TiO2-based nanosheets (TNS) modified with Fe2O3 and Y2O3 particles (Fe2O3/Y2O3@TNS), possessing a laminar structure with large specific surface area of 382 m2 g−1, were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method. The optimized Fe2O3/Y2O3@TNS (Fe/Y/Ti = 0.1 at%: 0.75 at%: 1) exhibited high photocatalytic efficiency due to the synergistic effect, and the photodegradation rate towards RhB and K2Cr2O7 solutions were 5.82-fold and 2.35-fold higher, respectively, as compared to TNS under visible light. Simultaneous photocatalytic degradation in the Cr(VI)–phenol coexisting system revealed that there was synergism between Cr(VI) reduction and phenol degradation for promoting photocatalytic efficiency. Besides, Fe2O3/Y2O3@TNS demonstrated strong adsorption and excellent photocatalytic regeneration performance for high-chroma crystal violet (CV), showing potential application in the removal of organic or inorganic pollutants. Based on photoluminescence (PL) spectra and photocurrent (SPC) methodology, the separation efficiency of photogenerated e−–h+ pairs could be significantly strengthened. A possible mechanism for enhanced photocatalytic efficiency under visible light was proposed.