m-BiVO4@γ-Bi2O3 core–shell p–n heterogeneous nanostructure for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance

Abstract

In this paper, g-Bi 2 O 3 , considered as the best photocatalyst among all Bi 2 O 3 polymorphs, was successfully prepared on the surface of m-BiVO 4 octahedral crystals through an alkaline "etching" process. Extensive XRD, SEM and TEM characterization revealed the formation of a p-n junction in the form of m-BiVO 4 @g-Bi 2 O 3 core-shell heterostructure. In addition, the alkaline concentration and reaction time during the etching process were studied and found to be critical parameters in the formation and yield of the Bi 2 O 3 phase. The visible-light photocatalytic activities of these heterogeneous samples with different g-Bi 2 O 3 /m-BiVO 4 phase ratios were evaluated for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The results indicated that with an optimum amount of g-Bi 2 O 3 on the m-BiVO 4 surface, the powders showed superior photocatalytic performance over pure m-BiVO 4 octahedral crystals. The enhancement mechanisms were discussed based on the specific surface area and g-Bi 2 O 3 shell thickness, as well as the influences of improved charge carrier transfer on the p-n heterostructure.

A Li-Rich Layered Cathode Material with Enhanced Structural Stability and Rate Capability for Li-on Batteries

“…The atomic coordinates for both phases were not further refined as well as stacking faults; however; the fraction values obtained is in the range of acceptable accuracy as reported in a study elsewhere used with similar technique. 28 A morphological investigation using FESEM attests to the nanometer size particles of both active materials as displayed in Figure 2a and 2b. Both LLNMC and LLNC powders revealed similar particle sizes and transition metal contents based on the EDAX profiles presented in Figure 2a compounds.…”

One-pot template-free synthesis of heterophase BiVO4microspheres with enhanced photocatalytic activity

“…2a), and the microspheres were composed of a large quantity of particles. As the reaction time extended to 12 h and 48 h, more and more microspheres 15 collapsed, as shown in Fig. 2b and Fig.…”

“…To deeply understand the mechanism of heterophase system, special attention was paid to the investigation of the active species involved in the photocatalytic process. This work has scientific significance and gives a better 15 understanding about the crystal phase of BiVO 4 and its role in the photocatalytic activity. Our studies would provide a possible strategy to develop highly active photocatalysts by designing and preparing the heterophase junctions.…”

Reduced graphene oxide as co-catalyst for enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of BiOBr

“…Bi-based photocatalysts have attracted much attention owing to their excellent photocatalytic activity in organic compound decomposing [22][23][24][25], water splitting [26] and NO reducing [27][28][29]. Among these, BiOBr with a narrow band gap of 2.75 eV has proved to be an efficient visible light photocatalyst for widespread environmental application [30,31].…”