Heterostructure nano-NiO/BiOCl composites with advanced adsorption and photocatalytic performance for organic dyes

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 736; pp. 22 - 28
• Main Authors: Sun, Xiuguo, Zhang, Yangyang, Li, Pan, Guo, Dan, Zi, He, Guo, Junzhen, Li, Yanting
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 05.03.2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Absorption spectra; Adsorption; Bismuth; Bismuth oxychloride; Catalytic activity; Dyes; Light irradiation; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Nickel oxide; Nickel oxides; Photocatalysis; Photodegradation; Bismuth oxychloride; Nanocomposites; Adsorption; Photocatalysis; Nickel oxide
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.11.016

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) micro-particles with the heterostructure of deposited nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a green and facile hydrolysis method. Characterisation results confirmed that a NiO/BiOCl heterostructure was present due to the observation of clear absorption bands in UV–vis DRS attributed to the interaction of NiO and BiOCl. The as-prepared NiO/BiOCl sample (with molar ratio of 0.4:1) exhibited an advanced adsorption capacity and photocatalytic ability for photodegradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The photodegradation of MO showed that approximately 95% of MO molecules were degraded in the presence of NiO/BiOCl after irradiation for 30 min. All the experimental results revealed that NiO nano-heterostructure was not only responsible for high visible light photocatalytic activity, but it also played a vital role in improving separation of the photogenerated holes and electrons. •Nano-NiO/BiOCl with excellent adsorption and photocatalysis capacity was prepared.•Methyl orange was entirely degraded selectively by visible light irradiation.•Narrower hybridized energy band between Nano-NiO and BiOCl was formed.•Heterostructure played vital role in improving separation of holes and electrons.