In-situ fabrication of 0D/2D NiO/Bi12O17Cl2 heterojunction towards high-efficiency degrading 2, 4-dichiorophenol and mechanism insight

2, 4-dichlorophenol (2, 4-DCP) as a persistent pollutant is frequently detected in water environments, complete eradication of trace which in water is an important task. Hence, a 0D/2D NiO/Bi12O17Cl2 heterojunction was achieved by in-situ fabrication of NiO nanodots on Bi12O17Cl2 nanosheets, which obviously improved the physical, optical and photoelectrochemical properties. The photocatalytic degradation activity of 0D/2D NiO/Bi12O17Cl2 heterojunction was boosted dramatically, which originated from the improved transfer and separation efficiency of charge carriers owing to the formation of Z-scheme heterostructure between NiO and Bi12O17Cl2. The possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism including migration behaviors of charge carriers, generation of reactive species and degradation intermediate products were revealed in depth. This work provides the valuable experiences for designing and fabricating otherwise 0D/2D heterojunction photocatalysts in the application of environmental treating fields.