Synthesis of quadrangular bismuth oxychloride NFs for the reduction of 4-NP and the degradation of rhodamine B

The quadrangular (QA) bismuth oxychloride nanoflakes (NFs) were synthesised by a simple solvothermal reaction. They were characterised by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. As catalysts, the square NFs exhibited excellent catalytic performance in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). The complete reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol was obtained in 30 s and the nearly complete degradation of RhB in 20 min.