2D ε-Fe3N nano-sheet and 1D Fe3O4/Fe3N heterogeneous nano-chain: The directing agent for the BiOCl growth

Abstract

For the first time, magnetic nano-structures (MNS) of 2D ε-Fe3N nano-sheets and 1D Fe3O4/Fe3N heterogeneous nano-chains were synthesized through electrochemical anodization without the assistance of any templates or surfactants. 2D BiOCl nano-sheets were intimately grown on surfaces of these MNS via the vapor-thermal method and isopropanol and ethylene glycol acting as solvents. As a result, 2D-2D and 1D-2D magnetic photocatalysts were achieved. MNS function as directing agents of BiOCl growth and control the oriented growth of BiOCl; furthermore, they compress the BiOCl crystal lattice due to the strain at the interface between MNS and BiOCl. BiOCl grown on 2D nano-sheets exhibits a flower-like morphology that consists of square nanosheets, while exhibiting the morphology of epispastic sponge for BiOCl grown on 1D heterogeneous nano-chains. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been reported before. The synergistic effects of MNS and BiOCl enhance the absorbance in the visible-light spectrum. All magnetic photocatalysts exhibited excellent adsorption and degradation abilities to target pollutants such as rhodamine B, methylene blue, and phenol. Here, using MNS as directing agents opens up a new route to realize the oriented assembly and growth of BiOCl nanosheets; this strategy can be adjusted for the synthesis of other catalysts.