Abstract
Bi2− x Pb x O2(BO2OH) nanospheres are synthesised by means of one-step hydrothermal route by embedding Pb2+ to Bi2O2 2+ layers. The obtained materials are characterised by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet (UV)–vis diffuse reflectance, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity is measured by decomposition of rhodamine B under UV-light irradiation. Photocatalytic performance is boosted after inducing Pb impurity into pure Bi2O2(BO2OH) lattice, because the impurity energy level could capture the holes and restrain the recombination of electron–hole pairs. Electronic properties of the fabricated nanospheres are investigated via first-principle calculations. The highest photocatalytic performance is found in the modified Bi2O2(BO2OH) with a doping concentration of Bi/Pb = 1.5/0.5, which outperformed the pure even the commercial P25.
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