Synthesis of novel BiOCl/LiBiO3 p-n heterojunction photocatalysts and their enhanced photocatalytic performance

The hierarchical nanoplates-like BiOCl/LiBiO3 p-n heterojunction composites were synthesized by a simple in situ formation approach. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption-desorption and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). In addition, their photocatalytic activities were tested by detecting the degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. The BiOCl/LiBiO3 composites exhibited higher photocatalytic efficiency than the single BiOCl or LiBiO3. The BiOCl/LiBiO3 composites with the molar ratio of 85/15 showed the highest photocatalytic performance. Superoxide radical anions (⋅O2−), hydroxyl free adicals (⋅OH), photogenerated holes (h+) and photogenerated electrons (e−) reactive species cooperate during the photocatalytic process. It is expected that the novel BiOCl/LiBiO3 p-n heterostructured photocatalyst would be a promising candidate for environmental remediation.