Surfactant–free Self‐Templating Construction of BiOCl/BiO_1.84H_0.08 Nanodisc Heterostructures with Visible‐Light‐Driven Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

A unique nanodisc heterostructure is achieved at room temperature without any additional organic surfactants. By using bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) precursor itself as templates, bismuth oxide hydrates BiO1.8•0.04H2O (BiO1.84H0.08) ultrathin nanosheets are generated to be stacked around the original BiOCl nanodiscs, while the major composition of the inner part remains the precursor itself. Notably, the obtained nanodisc heterostructures well duplicate the size and overall discal shape of the precursor. The structural and crystalline matching of two phases is favour for the morphological construction, further facilitating the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carries. Significantly, the BiOCl/BiO1.84H0.08 heterostructures exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity in bacterial inactivation under visible light irradiation, which is mainly due to the directly oxidation of photoexcited hole (h+). Accordingly, a h+ transfer process between two phases is proposed. This work will inspire the exploration of a facile way to construct unique heterostructures with diverse photocatalytic applications.

Recent Advances of Bismuth Halide Based Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Antibacterial and Photodynamic Therapy

“…This unique nanodisc heterostructure of BiOCl/BiO 1.84 H 0.08 facilitates efficient separation of photogenerated carriers, resulting in the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. [ 64 ] Padervand reported sheet‐like BiOCl/AgCl‐BiOI/AgI quaternary nanocomposites using a simple single‐step co‐precipitation method that exhibited high resistance to Gram‐negative ( E. coli ) and Gram‐positive ( S. aureus ) pathogenic bacteria concentrations after 5 h under light illumination. [ 65 ] Li et al.…”

Solar‐Driven Photocatalytic Disinfection Over 2D Semiconductors: The Generation and Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species

“…In both cases, holes and superoxide radicals were the main active species for the antibacterial effects (Figure 7c). [ 136,137 ]…”

“…The band‐level data are obtained from previous work where 2D semiconductors are used as photocatalysts. [ 96,104,125,126,134,136,137,141,142,167,260 ] .…”

Two‐dimensional nanomaterials for photocatalytic water disinfection: recent progress and future challenges

“…For the increased photocatalysis, one reason was the extensive light absorption over the far to near infrared range (NIR) due to Bi 2 O 4 , another reason was formation of the heterojunction. The authors also discussed the possibility of universally applying the photoinduced‐, alkali‐assisted in situ doping to synthesize other bismuth oxyhalogen‐based heterostructures, like BiOCl‐BiO 1.84 H 0.08 . Under UV irradiation, the photocatalytic generated h + was capable of oxidizing Bi 3+ of BiOCl to Bi 5+ and thus forming Bi 5+ doping.…”

“…The authors also discussed the possibility of universally applying the photoinduced-, alkali-assisted in situ doping to synthesize other bismuth oxyhalogen-based heterostructures, like BiOCl-BiO 1.84 H 0.08 . 113 Under UV irradiation, the photocatalytic generated h + was capable of oxidizing Bi 3+ of BiOCl to Bi 5+ and thus forming Bi 5+ doping. The existence of Bi 5+ narrowed the bandgap of BiOCl, leading to higher light response and simultaneously, the Bi 5+ dopant acted as electron traps.…”