Xuemei Qi

One-Pot Synthesized BiOI/TiO2 Heterostructure with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance and Photocatalytic Treatment of Gas-Phase Hg0

In this study, a series of BiOI/TiO2 heterostructure photocatalysts were prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. All samples were characterized by XRD, TEM and other techniques. The results showed that the heterostructures between BiOI and TiO2 were formed successfully. The photoactivities of the samples were tested by catalytic oxidation of Hg0 and BT-4 showed the highest removal efficiency, reaching up to 82.5%. Moreover, the trapping experiments indicated that ·O2− and h+ were the main reactive components for Hg0 removal. Finally, a possible mechanism was proposed: A Z-scheme electron/hole transport mechanism was the main reason for the enhanced photoactivity.Graphical Abstract

Fabrication of Carbon-Modified BiOI/BiOIO 3 Heterostructures With Oxygen Vacancies for Enhancing Photocatalytic Activity

Bismuth oxide iodate (BiOIO3) has recently been discovered to apply to the research on photocatalytic territory in environmental pollutants solution. However, its weak response to the visible light and high recombination rate of electron–hole pairs have been the stumbling block on the road to application. In this work, to remit the drawbacks, carbon modified BiOI/BiOIO3 heterostructures are prepared by a facile hydrothermal method and a simple calcination method. The prepared structure can effectively promote the separation of charge and suppress recombination of electron–hole pairs. When the ternary photocatalyst is applied to remove gas phase elemental mercury (Hg0) in the condition with visible light irradiating, it exhibits excellent photocatalytic properties. Compared with pure BiOIO3, the removal efficiency of ameliorated samples has been drastically increased. On the basis of the results of experiments, the possible charge migration and recombination mechanism are put forward. As a novel and promising method to enhance photocatalytic performance, this method presents a strategy, which yields tremendous benefits in designing efficient photocatalyst and environmental remediation applications.Graphical Abstract