A newly constructed photoactive system, Fe(III)-C/N-Bi2O3, for efficient visible light photocatalysis

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 748; pp. 390 - 397
• Main Authors: Sudrajat, Hanggara, Hartuti, Sri, Park, Jongee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05.06.2018
• Subjects: Bismuth oxide; Metal grafting; Nonmetal doping; Photocatalysis; X-ray absorption spectroscopy; Nonmetal doping; X-ray absorption spectroscopy; Bismuth oxide; Photocatalysis; Metal grafting
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.03.149

In this study, two strategies are simultaneously applied for photocatalytic activity enhancement of Bi2O3. The first strategy is to increase the light absorption via simultaneous carbon and nitrogen doping. The second strategy is to increase the charge carrier separation via Fe grafting. Transmission electron microscopy observation reveals the presence of Fe nanoclusters resided on the Bi2O3 surface. Near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) analysis confirms the valence state of the Fe species to be +3, and their coordination to be octahedral. The C K-edge and N K-edge NEXAFS spectra furthermore confirm the incorporation of C and N species in the Bi2O3 structure. This newly constructed photocatalyst, denoted as Fe(III)-C/N-Bi2O3, shows appreciably enhanced photocatalytic performance for the decomposition of 2,4-dichlorophenol under visible light as compared to bare Bi2O3. [Display omitted] •Novel Bi2O3 photocatalyst with nanosphere structure.•Significant performance enhancement of Bi2O3 by Fe(III) grafting and C/N doping.•Synchrotron NEXAFS study of Fe, C and N species incorporated in Bi2O3.