2D/1D Bi12O17Cl2/β-Bi2O3 heterojunction photocatalysts with boosted photocatalytic performance

Novel 2D/1D Bi12O17Cl2/beta-Bi2O3 heterostructures were synthesized by calcining Bi(OHC2O4)center dot 2H(2)O/BiOCl precursors. Bi12O17Cl2 nanosheets grow vertically on the beta-Bi2O3 rods by crystallographically oriented epitaxial nucleation and growth, which increases the interface quality and then provides the smallest penetration barrier for electron-hole pair transfer at interfaces. The photocatalytic results show that Bi12O17Cl2/beta-Bi2O3 displays higher photocatalytic activity than beta-Bi2O3 porous rods and Bi12O17Cl2 nanosheets for degrading methyl orange (MO) and phenol under solar light irradiation. This outstanding photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the formation of a 2D/1D Bi12O17Cl2/beta-Bi2O3 heterostructure. This unique configuration results in the exposure of almost the entire surface of the 2D Bi12O17Cl2 nanosheets and increases the charge separation and transfer rate. Radical scavenger experiments prove that the photogenerated holes and O-2(-) play key roles in the photodegradation process.

Automated summary

Novel 2D/1D Bi12O17Cl2/beta-Bi2O3 heterostructures were synthesized by calcining Bi(OHC2O4)center dot 2H(2)O/BiOCl precursors, exhibiting higher photocatalytic activity due to improved interface quality and enhanced charge separation and transfer rate. Radical scavenger experiments show that photogenerated holes and O-2(-) play key roles in the photodegradation process.