Morphology-Dependent Photoelectrochemical and Photocatalytic Performance of γ-Bi₂O₃ Nanostructures.

Abstract

Simple one-step solvothermal route was used to synthesize γ-Bi₂O₃ nanostructures. Well-defined nanoflowers and finite nanorods surface morphology of the samples were revealed. The physical characterization and material confirmation was explored by employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, photoluminescence (PL), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies. The optical bandgap of about 2.71 and 2.72 eV was observed for nanoflower and nanorods, respectively. The highest specific surface area of 0.877 m²/g with mesoporous feature was reported for nanoflower sample. The improved photocurrent of 12.47 μA/cm² was observed for the nanoflower photoanode with lowest internal resistance and the highest stability over 3600 s, with 87% retention in photocurrent was estimated from chronoamperometry (CA) study. The effective methyl orange degradation of MO as 94% was investigated by nanoflower photocatalyst. The synthesis of metastable γ-Bi₂O₃ nanostructures with hierarchical morphology to adapt as an efficient photoanode for solar water splitting and pollutant degradation applications was reported.