In-Situ Self-Assembly of Bi/Bi12O17Cl2 three-dimensional architecture with intimate interface towards Optimized photocatalytic performance

Abstract

The rational design and construction of low-dimensional heterojunction photocatalysts is a hopeful strategy in improving photocatalytic performance. Nevertheless, severe lattice mismatch significantly hinders the interfacial charge transfer, resulting in unsatisfactory photocatalytic performance. Herein, a novel Bi/Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂ three-dimensional (3D) architecture with intimate interface assembled from two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets is fabricated by a facile in-situ solvothermal method with ethylene glycol (EG) as the chelating and reducing agent. Thanks to the synergy between the in-situ formed Bi and the unique 3D architectural design, as well as the intimate interface, the resultant Bi/Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂ architecture features large specific surface area, enhanced light absorption, short charge-transfer distance, and efficient carrier separation, exhibiting splendid adsorption and visible light photocatalytic ciprofloxacin (CIP) removal performance. The apparent rate constant (k) of the optimal Bi/Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂ architecture for photocatalytic CIP elimination is about 4.4 and 11.5 times of the pristine Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂ and metallic Bi, respectively. Further, the k of Bi/Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂ architecture is 4.2 times higher than that of the physical mixture of Bi and Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂, further verifying the efficient charge transfer in the special intimate interface. The present work is expected to provide a structural optimization model and inspirational insights for constructing high-efficiency and promising metal–semiconductor photocatalysts by elaborated materials engineering.