One-step solution combustion synthesis of Bi/BiOCl nanosheets: Reaction mechanism and photocatalytic RhB degradation

In this study, Bi/BiOCl nanosheets were prepared by a rapid, cost-efficient and one-step solution combustion synthesis method using a mixed fuel (glycine and tartaric acid). Through thermometry and thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), the combustion mode and reaction mechanism are analyzed. The reducing gas produced by the mixed fuel is a necessary condition for obtaining metal Bi decorated BiOCl , and the content of Bi in the composite can be regulated by adjusting the molar ratio of Bi/Cl in reactants. In addition, under visible light irradiation, due to the SPR effect of metal Bi, Bi/BiOCl composite photocatalyst shows better photocatalytic performance, in which the highest degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B (RhB) within 120 min is 2.6 times higher than that of BiOCl. Thus, the present study provides an economic and convenient method for the tunable synthesis of a high-efficiency catalyst for the degradation of pollutants.