Bi2O3/Carbon quantum dots heterostructured photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity

We reported a facile fabrication of Bi2O3/carbon quantum dots (CQDs) photocatalysts. All the synthesized samples were characterized and investigated. Firstly, irregular beta-Bi2O3 nanosheets were obtained by a thermal treatment of Bi2O2CO3 precursor at 350 degrees C for 3 h in air. Then, different contents of CQDs were incorporated onto the as-obtained beta-Bi2O3 nanosheets in ethanol solution by vigorous stirring. The experimental results demonstrated that the visible light absorption of beta-Bi2O3 photocatalyst is greatly enhanced with the incorporation of CQDs. Furthermore, the fabricated heterostructure photocatalysts exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity over the photodegradation of Rhodamine B under the irradiation of visible light, owing to the separation of the photoinduced electrons and holes. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.