Nanosheet-constructed porous BiOCl with dominant {001} facets for superior photosensitized degradation

Abstract

Porous BiOCl micro-flowers constructed from ultrathin nanosheets with nearly 100% {001} facets exposed were selectively prepared. The exposed {001} facets terminated with a high density of oxygen atoms and are not only favorable for the adsorption of the cationic dye RhB but also can accumulate the photogenerated electrons injected from excited RhB. These electrons can be captured by O₂ and transformed to reactive oxygen species, which possess a strong photooxidative ability to degrade the dye pollutants directly and easily. Therefore, the resultant BiOCl photocatalysts exhibit superior activity for indirect dye photosensitization degradation under visible light, with a rapid degradation rate and high photostability.