Refining the band structure of BiOBr nanosheets through the synergetic effect of VO43− ions replacement and oxygen vacancies for promoted visible-light-driven photocatalysis. Issue 20 (6th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Lulu; Zhao, Changming; Xiang, Zhengrong; Zhang, Yi; Ma, Nan; Shen, Jie; Peng, Xiahui; Zhang, Shiying; Li, Zhongfu; Wu, Zhaohui
• Is Part Of: CrystEngComm. Volume 23:Issue 20(2021)
• Page Start: 3731
• Page End: 3743
• Publication Date: 2021-05-06
• Subjects: Crystals -- Periodicals; Crystal growth -- Periodicals; Crystallography -- Periodicals; Cristaux -- Périodiques; Cristaux -- Croissance -- Périodiques; Cristallographie -- Périodiques; 548
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ce00468a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-8033

Abstract

Abstract : The band structure of BiOBr nanosheets is regulated by the oxygen vacancies and VO4 3− ions replacement. The BiOBr nanosheets possess defective states and a more negative conduction band potential, promoting visible-light photocatalytic activity. Abstract : Normally, the band structure of a photocatalyst can be tuned by surface oxygen vacancies or element doping, however, employing the synergetic effects of surface oxygen vacancies and oxyacid group replacements to regulate the band structure of the photocatalyst is challenging. Here, the band structure of BiOBr nanosheets was regulated by surface oxygen vacancies and VO3 − ions replacement through a hydrothermal VO3 − ions exchange route, in which the VO3 − transform into VO4 3− for BiVO4 and BiV1.025 O4+ x . The crystal phase of the products evolved from BiOBr, BiOBr/BiVO4, BiOBr/BiVO4 /BiV1.025 O4+ x, and BiVO4 /BiV1.025 O4+ x accordingly, when gradually increasing the concentration of VO3 − (NH4 VO3 ) from 0.05 to 3.0 mmol. In particular, the BiOBr nanosheets with surface oxygen vacancies and VO4 3− ion replacement (by adding 0.05 mmol of VO3 − ) possessing defective states and more negative conduction band potential could promote visible-light-driven photocatalytic performances of organic contaminants due to the effective separation of charge carriers. This work provides new insight into refining the band structure of photocatalysts and evidential proof of a phase transition through oxyacid exchange.