Unique 1D/2D Bi2O2CO3 nanorod-Bi2WO6 nanosheet heterostructure: synthesis and photocatalytic performance

A novel 1D/2D Bi2O2CO3-Bi2WO6 heterostructure with a high quality interface was synthesized by high temperature calcination of Bi (OHC2O4)center dot 2H(2)O/Bi2WO6 precursors in CO2. Bi2WO6 nanosheets were grown vertically on porous Bi2O2CO3 rods by epitaxial growth. The 1D/2D Bi2O2CO3-Bi2WO6 heterostructures display high photocatalytic activity to degrade salicylic acid, phenol and rhodamine B. This enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to the synergistic effects of the unique 1D/2D heterostructure and the formation of a high-quality interface between Bi2O2CO3 and Bi2WO6. Radical scavenger experiments proved that O-2(-) and photogenerated holes played key roles during the photodegradation process. A simple and general route is offered in this study to synthesize 1D/2D heterostructures with excellent photocatalytic performance.