The Effect of Fabrication Conditions on the Morphology and Photocatalytic Activity of Bismutite Bi2O2CO3 Particles

In this study, three-dimensional bismutite Bi2O2CO3 nanoparticels (BSC NPs) have been synthesized through a facile hydrothermal treatment under mild conditions. The reaction temperatures and NaOH concentration have a vital influence on the physical and photocatalytic properties of the obtained BSC NPs. The crystal structure, morphology, chemical composition, specific surface area and photoresponse of as-obtained catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microsprctrosopy, Energy-dispersive spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms and UV-Vis spectra, respectively. Furthermore, Rhodamine 6G was used as model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of BSC NPs. As a result, there was no obvious effect of hydrothermal reaction temperature and NaOH concentration on phase structure and UV-visible light response; while the morphology, BET surface area and photoactivity were affected by hydrothermal reaction temperature and NaOH concentration.