Enhanced photocatalytic activity of degradation of azo, phenolic and triphenyl methane dyes using novel octagon shaped BiOCl discs/MWCNT composite

Abstract

Novel octagon disc-like multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) composite photocatalysts have been prepared through a one-pot hydrothermal process in the presence of hexamine as surfactant. The crystallanity and morphology of as prepared samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The MWCNT/BiOCl composite photocatalysts exhibited an obvious improved photocatalytic performance for congo red (CR), malachite green (MG) and bromophenol blue (BP) dye degradation. The photocatalytic studies shows that MWCNT could disperse and combine with BiOCl nanodiscs on its surface, which facilitated electron–hole separation, and contributed to improve the photocatalytic activity. A possible mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of MWCNT/BiOCl composite was also discussed.