Structure-Dependent Photocatalytic Performance of BiOBrxI1-x Nanoplate Solid Solutions

BiOXxY1−x (X, Y = Cl, Br, and I) solid solutions have been regarded as promising photocatalysts attributed to their unique layered structure, tunable band structure, and chemical and optical stability. In this study, BiOBrxI1−x nanoplate solid solutions with a high exposure of {001} crystal facets were prepared by a facile alcoholysis method at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks exhibited a slight shift to lower diffraction angle with the increase of I content in BiOBrxI1−x samples, which resulted in a gradual increase in their cell parameters. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed that BiOBrxI1−x samples exhibited 2D plate-like structure with the in-plane wrinkles. The regular changes in optical absorption threshold and Eg value seen in UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) indicated that the optical absorption property and band structure could be modulated by the formation of BiOBrxI1−x solid solutions. The photocatalytic degradation of active dye Rhodamine B (RhB) over BiOBrxI1−x solid solutions showed that BiOBr0.75I0.25 had the best photocatalytic activity. The RhB photodegradation processes followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The synergistic effect of structural factors (including amount of exposed {001} facets, interlayer spacing of (001) plane, and energy-level position of the valence band) determined the photocatalytic performance of BiOBrxI1−x solid solutions.