Well-crystallized square-like 2D BiOCl nanoplates: mannitol-assisted hydrothermal synthesis and improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance

Abstract

Well-crystallized square-like bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanoplates were successfully synthesized by a facile and environmentally friendly hydrothermal process in mannitol solution. The product was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) and nitrogen adsorption. It was found that mannitol played a key role in the formation of square-like BiOCl nanoplates and the possible growth mechanism was also discussed. The photocatalytic activity of prepared BiOCl nanoplates was determined by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The square-like BiOCl nanoplates exhibited excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic efficiency, which was much higher than that of commercial BiOCl and TiO 2 (anatase). The remarkable visible-light photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of the layered structure and the strong adsorption of RhB dye upon the BiOCl nanoplates, which might allow more efficient transport of the injected electrons. A possible dye-sensitized photocatalytic degradation process (photosensitization pathway) was proposed.

Template free synthesis of CuS nanosheet-based hierarchical microspheres: an efficient natural light driven photocatalyst

“…The as obtained unusual and special complex hollow architectures absorb more MB-molecules, which allowed for more efficient transport of the injected electrons to them from the excited MB dye, leading to enhancement of the photocatalytic performance. 54,55 Secondly, the special hierarchical architectured shell walls due to cavities within the entire shell walls not only reduce reflection and thus harvest the light well, but also promote transfer of lightgenerated charge carriers to the reactive surface and allow rapid diffusion of the reactants and products during the reaction. 56 The crystallinity of CuS NSHMS is better than that of the other as-prepared products, as shown in Fig.…”

Size-controlled BiOCl–RGO composites having enhanced photodegradative properties

“…The chloride and bismuth oxide layers are perpendicular to the internal static electric field, which can be separated into photo-induced electronÀhole pairs. [10] BiOCl is notable as a ptype semiconductor; it absorbs only ultraviolet (UV) light because of wide band gap (3.2À3.5 eV) and therefore it does not degrade organic dyes under visible irradiation. [11,12] Hence, it has been combined with metal ions or coupled with other semiconductors which shows high photocatalytic activity towards organic contaminants.…”

Effects of nanostructure on clean energy: big solutions gained from small features

“…For example, TiO 2 and ZnO, as the most prominent and suitable materials for solar energy harvesting, are being widely studied for Sci [33]. In addition, visible light-driven bismuth-based photocatalysts with various morphology and structures show excellent photocatalytic activities, which could be mainly attributed to the unique hierarchitecture layered structure, large BET surface area, and strong adsorption capacities [34][35][36][37][38][39]. Bi 2 WO 6 nanoplates can be also used to oxidize NH 4 ?…”