Design and controllable synthesis of C-doped Bi2O3 nanowires with superior performance for removal of bisphenol A

In this work, novel photocatalytic C-doped Bi2O3 nanowires were prepared by a facile method using BN-0.5 adsorbent as a precursor. BN-0.5 adsorbent with nanowire structure was successfully synthesized by a novel solvothermal method by controlling the dosage of 1, 4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2BDC). BN-0.5 was not only used as template in the preparation to maintain the nanowire structure, but also as a source of C. The C elements could not only enhance the absorption of BPA, but also enhance effective spatial separation of photo-generated e−/h+ pairs. As a consequence, the removal ratio of BPA over C-doped Bi2O3 nanowires could reach 98.9%, after only 24 min of illumination. The removal mechanism of BPA on the C-doped Bi2O3 nanowires was discussed. More importantly, this work provides a facile method for the preparation of C-doped Bi2O3 nanowires, which are potential photocatalysts for treatment of water and are also suitable for mass production. These findings will help to design ideal structure, understand catalytic mechanism and spur development of solar driven technologies for environmental remediation.