Template-Free Fabrication of Bi2O3 and (BiO)2CO3 Nanotubes and Their Application in Water Treatment

Graphical Uniform Bi 2 O 3 and (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanotubes were synthesized by a solvothermal method without involving any surfactants or templates. The synergistic effect of ethylene glycol and urea played a critical role in the formation of the tubular structure. The Bi 2 O 3 and (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanostructures not only exhibited excellent Cr VI -removal capacity, but also displayed high photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of Rhodaine B under visible-light irradiation (see figure). Uniform bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 3 ) and bismuth subcarbonate ((BiO) 2 CO 3 ) nanotubes were successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method without the need for any surfactants or templates. The synergistic effect of ethylene glycol (EG) and urea played a critical role in the formation of the tubular nanostructures. These Bi 2 O 3 and (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanotubes exhibited excellent Cr VI -removal capacity. Bi 2 O 3 nanotubes, with a maximum Cr VI -removal capacity of 79 mg g −1 , possessed high removal ability in a wide range of pH values (3–11). Moreover, Bi 2 O 3 and (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanotubes also displayed highly efficient photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB under visible-light irradiation. This work not only demonstrates a new and facile route for the fabrication of Bi 2 O 3 and (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanotubes, but also provides new promising adsorbents for the removal of heavy-metal ions and potential photocatalysts for environmental remediation.