One-step synthesis of novel Bi/Bi2SiO5 flower-like composites with highly-efficient CO2 photoreduction performance

In this work, novel heterostructure Bi/Bi2SiO5 composites with micro-flowers are successfully synthesized via one-step hydrothermal strategy, and applied as photocatalyst for CO2 reduction to CO under simulated sunlight irradiation. The XRD, XPS, SEM, HRTEM, UV-vis DRS and EIS characterizations are performed to clarify the crystalline phase, surface compositional chemical states, structural morphologies, optical and photoelectrochemical properties. 2 M NaOH solution as pH regulating agent plays a vital role in the formation of Bi-decorated Bi2SiO5 composites, and as-prepared Bi/Bi2SiO5 sample in the pH value of 12 exhibits super-high photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity to CO. Besides, a possible enhanced mechanism of CO2 reduction to CO over Bi/Bi2SiO5 composite is proposed. Finally, our findings should provide good foundation and scientific guidance for the research and development of Bi-modified Bi-based materials.