Glucose Induced Formation of Oxygen Vacancy and Bi-Metal Co-modified Bi5O7Br Nanotubes for efficient Performance Photocatalysis

Here, we prepared Bi-metal modified defective Bi5O7Br nanotubes (Bi/Bi5O7Br–OV) by hydrothermal synthesis to be an efficient photocatalyst. Density function theory (DFT) revealed that oxygen vacancies in Bi5O7Br could form an intermediate level, which could allow electron transfer to a new intermediate level, and finally move to the conduction band. The Bi/Bi5O7Br–OV nanotubes demonstrate superior photocatalytic degradation of phenol, showing 3 times higher than that of pristine Bi5O7Br. The defects and Bi endow Bi5O7Br nanotubes with abundant active sites and improve the solar absorption. The increased and more dispersed charge density allow enhanced electronic conductivity and the separation of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, more ·OH radicals are generated during photochemical reaction, which is beneficial in improving the photocatalytic performance. This work will play significant roles and create opportunities in modifying Bi-based materials for promoting photocatalysis.