Bi4O5Br2 nanosheets with vertical aligned facets for efficient visible-light-driven photodegradation of BPA

Enhancing spatial charge separation efficiency through directional charge transfer is one of the vital strategies to improve the photocatalytic performances. Bi4O5Br2 nanosheets with vertical aligned (11-3), (32-2), and (112) facets were constructed to achieve the efficient directional charge transfer and separation based on the distinctive electronic and band structures of different facets. That is, the photoexcited electrons migrate to the top surface of (11-3) facet of the Bi4O5Br2 nanosheets, while the holes transfer to the lateral surface of (32-2) and (112) facets. As a result, such Bi4O5Br2 nanosheets with vertical aligned facets has highly strengthened the visible-light photodegradation efficiency of bisphenol A (BPA), which is around 6 times higher than that of BiOBr nanosheets. This work provides new sight to rational design the facets of photocatalysts for effective separation of charge carriers and promoted photocatalytic performances.

Automated summary

Enhancing spatial charge separation efficiency through directional charge transfer in Bi4O5Br2 nanosheets with vertically aligned facets significantly improves the visible-light photodegradation efficiency of BPA. This study provides new insights for the rational design of photocatalyst facets to effectively separate charge carriers and enhance photocatalytic performances.