Novel visible-light-driven I− doped Bi2O2CO3 nano-sheets fabricated via an ion exchange route for dye and phenol removal

Abstract

Here, we report a novel visible-light-driven I⁻ doped Bi₂O₂CO₃ nano-sheet photocatalyst synthesized via a facile ion exchange route at room temperature. This obtained Bi₂O₂CO₃ nano-sheet with I⁻ doping shows several advantages. The specific surface area of I_0.875-Bi₂O₂CO₃ is 2.16 times higher than that of Bi₂O₂CO₃, providing more catalytic sites for the degradation reactions. Moreover, a 3.2 times photocurrent enhancement is observed in I_0.875-Bi₂O₂CO₃ compared with Bi₂O₂CO₃, producing more photogenerated electron-hole pairs for degradation. The synergistic effect between texture property and photoelectric effect boosts the removal of organic pollutants. Under visible light illumination, I_0.875-Bi₂O₂CO₃ displays superior photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and phenol. Notably, a phenol degradation rate, 88%, is achieved by I_0.875-Bi₂O₂CO₃ with illuminating for 60 min, which is about 29 times higher than that of pristine Bi₂O₂CO₃. This finding may provide an opportunity to develop a promising I⁻ doped catalyst for organic pollutants removal.