Visible light photocatalytic deterioration of polystyrene plastic using supported BiOCl nanoflower and nanodisk

Abstract

Here, we demonstrated the excellent way to degrade polymeric films is established responding to visible-light-sensitive excitation under ambient conditions. Two novel polystyrene (P) - Bismuthoxychloride (Bi) nanocomposite films i.e. P/Bi/Flower and P/Bi/Disk have been effectively produced using a solution-cast technique. Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) as a light-sensitive component with different shapes such as flower and disks were added into polymeric matrix to obtained corresponding films. The intension behind the use of different shapes of BiOCl is to ensure a close re-stack of particles that could be detrimental to the quality of polymers. The outcomes acquired the surfaces of as-prepared polymer films with BiOCl were effectively degraded by photooxidation reactions. It also corroborate that the degradation begin over BiOCl particles, followed by the diffusion reaction with the support of reactive oxygen species generated on BiOCl particle surface. Based on the evidences, a probable mechanism was objectively proposed, in well agreement with the information obtained.