Bismuth terephthalate induced Bi(0) for enhanced RhB photodegradation and 4-nitrophenol reduction

A facile reductive method was used to prepare the semimetal Bi-(0) through reacting Bi(NO3)(3) with Nal. The Bi-(0) incorporated bismuth terephthalate hybrids were prepared from two different strategies with enhanced visible light photodegradation of RhB and reduction of 4-nitrophenol. The synergistic interaction between layered bismuth terephthalate and Bi-(0) with SPR effects could induce the effective separation of photogenerated electrons and holes that leading to the enhancement of their oxidation performance. In the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, bismuth terephthalate may act as an excellent supporter and as a precursor which in situ produces the semimetal Bi-(0). The Bi-(0) incorporated bismuth terephthalate reported in this work can be potentially applied in visible light photooxidation and reduction of organic compounds.