One-step solvothermal synthesis of Bi/BiOI composites with multi-morphology and enhanced photocatalytic performance

In the present work, Bi/BiOI composite materials with multi-morphology and efficient photocatalytic performance have been synthesized by one-step chemical solvothermal method. At the same time, we have studied the solvothermal temperature, reaction time, and iodine source that affected the chemical compositions, crystallinity, morphology, and photocatalytic performance of synthesized Bi/BiOI composite materials. Our results suggest that Bi/BiOI composites with flower-like structures were prepared at 180 degrees C for 24 h (BiOI-180-24) under the presence of ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([EMIM]I), which exhibited higher photocatalytic performance toward Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation, the possible reason was that Bi/BiOI had a moderate specific surface area and E-g. Moreover, experimental studies of free radical capture confirmed that holes are important active free species, leading to the degradation of dye molecules during irradiation.

Automated summary

In this study, Bi/BiOI composite materials with multi-morphology and efficient photocatalytic performance were synthesized by one-step chemical solvothermal method. The solvothermal temperature, reaction time, and iodine source were investigated, and it was found that Bi/BiOI composites with flower-like structures were prepared at 180 degrees C for 24 h (BiOI-180-24) using ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([EMIM]I) as the precursor. These composites exhibited higher photocatalytic performance towards Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation, attributed to their moderate specific surface area and band gap.