Uniform Bi2O2CO3 hierarchical nanoflowers: solvothermal synthesis and photocatalytic properties

Well-defined flowerlike Bi2O2CO3 nanostructures were fabricated by a simple one-pot solvothermal method with high yield. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption, photoluminescence spectra and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared samples were further investigated by photocatalytic decomposition of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye, and it was found that the Bi2O2CO3 nanoflowers showed a good photocatalytic activity under UV light. The excellent photocatalytic performance of Bi2O2CO3 flowerlike nanostructures is related to its special nanostructure and morphology, indicates its potential application in photocatalysis and nanosensors.