One-step synthesis of nanostructured Bi-Bi2O2CO3-ZnO composites with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Nanostructured Bi-Bi2O2CO3-ZnO composites were successfully prepared through a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The composite was constructed by ZnO nanorods with a diameter of 30-40 nm embedded in Bi2O2CO3 platelets with a small quantity of Bi particles dispersed on the platelets, which further assembled into micron clusters. The photocatalytic performance of the composite was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange and phenol under UV and visible light irradiation, respectively. The results revealed that the composites showed enhanced photocatalytic activity in comparison with either ZnO or Bi2O2CO3, and the Bi-Bi2O2CO3-ZnO photocatalyst with 20 mol% of Bi2O2CO3 exhibited the best photocatalytic efficiency. The reusability test explored the reliable stability and reusability for industrial applications, which was endowed by the special feature of nanostructured micron clusters. The superior photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the heterojunction interfaces and compound band gap structure which facilitated the separation of the photo-generated electrons and holes at the interface and promoted an effective charge transfer path. Additionally, the existing metal Bi also acted as electron traps to manifest a positive effect. The present study might give an insight into the design of novel heterostructured materials for the light harvesting related environment management and energy conversion applications.