Large-scale one-dimensional BixOyIz nanostructures: synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic applications

The performances of BixOyIz photofunctional materials are very sensitive to their composition and microstructures; however, the morphology evolution and crystallization process of one-dimensional BixOyIz nanostructures, the roles of experimental factors, and related reaction mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this work, large-scale one-dimensional BixOyIz nanostructures were fabricated using simple inorganic iodine source. By combing the results of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, the effect of volume ratios of water and ethanol, concentration of NaOH, and reaction time on the morphologies and crystal phases of BixOyIz were elaborated. On the basis of characterizations, a possible process for the growth of Bi5O7I nanobelts was proposed. The optical performances of BixOyIz nanostructures were evaluated by ultraviolet–visible–near infrared diffuse reflectance spectra as well as photocatalytic degradation of organic dye and corrosive bacteria. The as-prepared Bi5O7I/Bi2O2CO3/BiOI composite showed excellent photocatalytic activity over malachite green under visible light irradiation, which was deduced closely related to its heterojunction structures.