Improved visible-light photocatalysis of nano-Bi2Sn2O7 with dispersed s-bands

Abstract

Band structure design plays a vital role on the development of highly efficient and visible-light driven photocatalysts. Large band dispersions ensure a fair mobility of the photoinduced charge carriers, leading to excellent photocatalysis. As a case in point, Bi₂Sn₂O₇ has been investigated for the first time as a robust visible-light photocatalyst. The VB and CB are both highly dispersed, and contain s orbitals (Bi 6p + Sn 5s + O 2p for CB, O 2p + Bi 6s for VB). Bi₂Sn₂O₇ was prepared by a direct hydrothermal reaction in the absence of additives and exhibited improved performance. This study not only discloses insights into the design of new photocatalysts in term of band engineering, but also provides flexibility and selectivity for the deliberate synthesis of other functional materials.