Synthesis of flower-like CeO2/BiOCl heterostructures with enhanced ultraviolet light photocatalytic activity

Flower-like CeO2/bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) heterostructures were successfully prepared by a simple two-step solvothermal/hydrothermal method. The prepared materials were characterised via powder X-ray diffraction measurements, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. Photocatalytic activities of the materials in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) were studied. The results showed that all of the materials were successfully prepared. In particular, the BiOCl looks like a cluster of chestnut balls and the CeO2/BiOCl composite showing a flower-like morphology. Compared with the pure BiOCl or CeO2, the CeO2/BiOCl composite showed higher photocatalytic activity for degradation of RhB in aqueous solution under ultraviolet light irradiation.