Fe-doped BiOBr hollow microspheres were successfully prepared by a simple solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity and electrochemical behaviour, attributed to the unique hollow structure and Fe doping, which is favorable for transfer of photogenerated carriers and enhancement of photoadsorption.

Visible-light-induced BiOBr photocatalysts with Ti doping and Ag decorating were prepared by three methods (chemical reduction, photoreduction, and thermal reduction). Compared to the tannin acid reduction and photoreduction, the solvothermal reduction method was relatively simple and efficient, and Ag doping and loading simultaneously occurred. The as-prepared 3% Ag/Ti-dope BiOBr photocatalysts exhibited the flowerlike microsphere structures that assembled by nanoplates, and showed higher photocatalytic activity and excellent durability.

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The removal of oil spills or oily organic solvents from water surface is a great technological challenge for environmental protection. Here, a facile method to prepare superhydrophobic and superoleophilic sponge for fast and selective removal of oils from water surface has been reported. The as-prepared sponge exhibited superhydrophobic property with the water contact angle around 165°, which can be used for the absorption of oil spills or oily organic solvents. Furthermore, the resultant sponge showed good durability toward temperature. This fabrication technique is easy to grasp and to be extended. So we believe that this new functionalized sponge could be realized for the large-scale commercialized production.