Pollutants in wastewater, such as Cr(VI) is a continuous threat to our ecological system and human well-being because of its high noxiousness and latent carcinogenicity. Photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction is the most suitable and eco-friendly way to convert the toxic Cr(VI) to environmentally friendly Cr(III). Porous metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) based nanocomposites are emerging green photocatalysts for Cr(VI) reduction due to their unique characteristics such as high photoconductivity, large surface area, and suitable porous structure. Herein, the preparation of ultrathin BiOCl sheets over UiO-66-NH 2 is reported for the first time at room temperature via a simplistic in situ synthetic process to yield a series of UiO-66-NH 2 @BiOCl-UTN's heterogeneous nano composites. The activity toward Cr(VI) reduction was tested under visible-light. UiO-66-NH 2 @BiOCl-UTN's heterogeneous nanocomposites exhibited better performance as equated to individual BiOCl and UiO-66-NH 2 , particularly the composite with Bi 3+ mole ratio of 5 mM surpassed other composites for photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction. Furthermore, boosted visible-light absorption (λ > 420 nm) was observed in the presence of −NH 2 moiety on the organic linker. The excellent photocatalytic activity was attributed to the synergistic effect between BiOCl and UiO-66-NH 2 for the effective separation of photogenerated electron−hole suppressing their recombination. Through active species trapping experiments, electron spin resonance measurements, and electrochemical analysis, the reliable mechanism was predicted and confirmed. Moreover, heterogeneous nanomaterial retained its structure and activity for four consecutive cycles demonstrating its superior stability.

Hydrogen-bond-free and dual-iodine strategies are first demonstrated to construct stable hybrid perovskites with desired band gaps.

Bismuth oxychloride ultrathin nanoplates (BiOCl‐UTNs) are highly active, but their preparation are limited to closed‐vessel hydrothermal and solvothermal techniques at high temperatures (110–180 °C). Here we report a straightforward poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS)‐mediated route for the large‐scale synthesis of BiOCl‐UTNs at room‐temperature. In an open vessel, 6.15 g of BiOCl‐UTNs with 3–5 nm thickness, and planar dimensions of 30–50 nm were produced. The strong electrostatic interaction between PSS and [Bi2O2]2+ layers inhibited the growth rate of BiOCl nanoplates along <001> direction, and Na+ ions governed the electrolyte sedimentation to produce BiOCl‐UTNs. The resulting BiOCl‐UTNs exhibited high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of antibiotics and organic dyes because of their large specific surface area, increased light absorption ability, and fast separation and transfer efficiency of the photoexcited charge carriers.

Oxygen vacancies are highly important for photocatalytic performance in bismuth oxychloride, but their preparation is limited to vacuum roasting and hydrogen annealing techniques at high temperatures (200–400 °C).