Concise fabrication of 3D rose-like BiOBrxI1-x with exceptional wide spectrum visible-light photocatalytic activity

In this work, 3D rose-like BiOBrxI1-x photocatalysts with highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities were successfully prepared via acetic acid assisted hydrolysis within 15 min at room temperature. The crystal structure, morphology, surface area, composition, interfacial charge separation, band gaps of BiOBrxI1-x solid solutions are characterized by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, BET, XPS, photocurrent and UV-vis DRS. Besides, the photocatalytic properties including degradation, mineralization and reusability of the BiOBr0.8I0.2 were evaluated by bisphenol A (BPA), rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl Orange (MO) as the target pollutant compounds under visible light. Results shows that the larger BET surface area, 3D rose-like morphology, favorable (110) exposed reactive surface, suitable band gap and adequate potential of the valence band give the positive impact on the exceptional visible photocatalytic activity of BiOBr0.8I0.2, which exceeded other reported BiOX-based solid solutions. This work would enlighten an effortless and feasible strategy to fabricate high efficiency catalysts, yet push the forward pace of the photocatalytic practical application.