One-step synthesis of Bi/C-BiOCl composites: double defect regulation, band structure modulation, and visible light photocatalytic enhancement mechanisms†

The treatment of large amounts of wastewater resulting from the overuse of dyes in the paper, leather and food industries is of great ecological importance. BiOCl is a promising photocatalyst owing to its unique layered structure, strong chemical stability and resistance to photocorrosion. However, the advancement of its photocatalytic activity is significantly impeded by the limited utilization of visible light and the elevated recombination rates of photogenerated charge carriers. Combining the defect control of semiconductor photocatalysts with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) modulation can improve the efficiency of visible light conversion and photocatalysis. Using glucose as the carbon source and reducing agent, we successfully synthesized a BiOCl catalyst with double defect regulation (Bi/C-BiOCl) through a single-step solvothermal approach. Defect control combined with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) modulation synergistically improved the structure and promoted photocatalytic degradation. Under simulated visible light, the Bi/C-BiOCl catalyst achieved a 98% degradation efficiency for 20 mg L⁻¹ RhB in just 8 minutes, and the degradation rate was increased to 2.7 times that of BiOCl. The economy and simplicity of this preparation method provide a promising strategy for further exploration of high-activity BiOCl photocatalysts; thus, this catalyst holds significant importance for the advancement of semiconductor materials in future research endeavors.