Ultrathin structural BiOI with surface oxygen vacancies for improved photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

Abstract

Ultrathin BiOI nanosheets with surface oxygen vacancies have been synthesized in situ and evaluated as improved bismuth oxyhalide photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants. Environmental remediation, in particular the degradation of phenol and bisphenol A is of interest due to the toxicity and persistent nature of these compounds. The efficient photocatalytic activity of ultrathin structural BiOI is the result of enhanced carrier photocatalysis. This has been determined by several experiments, such as trapping experiments, electron spin resonance and reactive oxygen species quantification experiments. The durability and stability of the catalysts has also been verified by cyclic experiments. These bismuth oxyhalide photocatalysts shows promise for the efficient and sustainable decomposition of persistent organic pollutants.