Facile one‐step synthesis of Nd‐doped BiOCl nanoparticles with the excellent photocatalytic behavior

Abstract

Pure and (1 and 2%) neodymium (Nd)‐doped BiOCl photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via facile one‐step solvothermal method. The structure, morphology, and composition of the synthesized materials were investigated by using X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optical property of the material was investigated by diffusive reflectance spectra and photoluminescence emission spectroscopic analyses. The studies revealed that structural and optical properties of the catalyst have been greatly influenced by Nd doping. The photocatalytic activity of pure and Nd‐doped BiOCl was investigated by using Brilliant Green dye under UV–visible light. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. StartCopText© 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.