Synthesis of BiOClxBr1−x Nanoplate Solid Solutions as a Robust Photocatalyst with Tunable Band Structure

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal Vol. 21; no. 33; pp. 11872 - 11877
• Main Authors: Zhang, Xing, Wang, Li-Wei, Wang, Chu-Ya, Wang, Wei-Kang, Chen, Ya-Li, Huang, Yu-Xi, Li, Wen-Wei, Feng, Yu-Jie, Yu, Han-Qing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 10.08.2015; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Band structure; Bismuth; Chemistry; crystal engineering; nanostructures; Photocatalysis; photophysics; Solar energy; Solid solutions; surface analysis
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201501427

The use of bismuth oxyhalides as photocatalysts has received extensive interest because of their high photocatalytic activity and stability. However, available methods for the synthesis of bismuth oxyhalides with tailored morphologies, well‐defined facets, and tunable band gaps are still lacking. In this work, two‐dimensional BiOClxBr1−x solid solution with exposed {001} facets and tunable band gaps were synthesized by using solvothermal methods. The BiOClxBr1−x solid solution nanoplates crystallized in a homogeneous crystal structure but possessed continuously tuned band gaps from 3.39 to 2.78 eV by decreasing the ratio of Cl/Br. Among the synthesized nanoplates, the BiOCl0.5Br0.5 sample exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for degrading Rhodamine B (RhB), a typical organic pollutant, under visible light. The highest photoactivity of the BiOCl0.5Br0.5 sample was attributed to a synergetic effect of higher surface area, facets exposed, and optimized band structure. The results are of profound significance for the design of novel photocatalyst materials. The right balance: BiOClxBr1−x solid solution of nanoplates crystallize in a homogeneous crystal structure but possess continuously tuned band gaps from 3.39 to 2.78 eV by decreasing the ratio of Cl/Br (see figure).