Facet-dependent topo-heterostructure formed by BiOCl and ZnCr-LDH and its enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Interface regulation is a hot topic in fabricating effective photocatalyst by different semiconductors. Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) and layered double hydroxide (LDH) are typical layered materials. For the first time, the effective configuration was revealed between BiOCl and LDH to increase visible-light photocatalytic activity. When LDH grew on BiOCl (001) facet, photocatalytic activity was low under visible-light irritation. In comparison, when LDH grew on BiOCl (010) facet, the activity was significantly increased, even though only 1% of LDH was loaded. The increased activity was attributed to the prolonged lifetime of electron-hole pair. As a result, photo-generated carriers resulted in reactive species, such as singlet oxygen, which was trapped by scavenger. However, when over amount of LDH formed and covered BiOCl (010) facet, the activity of the obtained hybrid decreased. According to these observations and results, a facet-dependent topo-heterostructure was formed by LDH growing on BiOCl (010) facet.

Automated summary

Interface regulation plays a crucial role in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of semiconductors like BiOCl and LDH. When LDH is grown on the BiOCl (010) facet, even a small amount can significantly increase the activity due to the prolonged lifetime of electron-hole pair. However, an excessive amount of LDH covering the BiOCl (010) facet will decrease the activity of the hybrid material.