Synthesis of a BiOCl1- x Br x @AgBr heterostructure with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

Abstract

We present a facile approach to preparing a BiOCl_1-x Br _x @AgBr heterostructure using a two-step solvothermal method. Multiple characterisation techniques have been employed to investigate its morphology, structure, optical and electronic properties and photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic activity of the BiOCl_1-x Br _x @AgBr heterostructure was sufficiently evaluated by adopting Reactive Blue KN-R as the target organic pollutant under visible light irradiation. The as-prepared BiOCl_1-x Br _x @AgBr exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than BiOCl_1-x Br _x and BiOCl, which was ascribed to the movement of photogenerated electrons from AgBr to BiOCl_1-x Br _x , resulting in effective charge separation and transfer. Moreover, the modification of BiOCl_1-x Br _x with AgBr broadened the light absorption range, making the composite suitable for visible light excitation. The excellent photocatalytic performance provides potential opportunities to utilize BiOCl_1-x Br _x @AgBr for environmental purification and organic pollution treatment of water.