We report a new type
of highly efficient visible light-driven photocatalyst,
Sm3+-activated BiOF nanoparticles, developed by a facile
solid-state reaction technology. The corresponding phase compositions,
morphological nature, and chemical states along with complementary
theoretical calculation insights are investigated systematically.
Upon 404 nm laser excitation, the photoluminescence performance of
the synthesized nanoparticles is explored and the optimal properties
are achieved in BiOF:xSm3+ (x = 0.07). The dipole–quadrupole interaction is attributed
to the concentration quenching mechanism. Under visible light irradiation,
the degradation of the RhB dye by utilizing the Sm3+-activated
BiOF nanoparticles is studied. In comparison with the BiOF nanoparticles,
the resultant compounds doped with Sm3+ ions demonstrate
improved photocatalytic performance. Moreover, on the basis of density
functional theory, the electronic structure of the BiOF impacted by
Sm3+ ion doping is studied in detail by first-principles
calculations, revealing the generation of an impurity energy level
that is beneficial for enhancing the photocatalytic properties. Importantly,
the h+ and •O2
– active
species play a deterministic role in promoting the degradation of
the RhB dye. Compared to commercial ZnO nanoparticles, the developed
nanoparticles exhibit superior photocatalytic activities, further
elaborating that the Sm3+-activated BiOF nanoparticles
are poised to be one of most promising visible light-driven photocatalyst
candidates.