Preparation and Properties of 3D Spherical Bi2S3/Bi2O2CO3 Photocatalytic Materials Self‐Assembled by 2D Nanosheets

ABSTRACT The micro‐morphology of photocatalytic materials has a great influence on their photocatalytic performance. Quantum dots can provide the plasmon resonance effect and broaden the wavelength range of light absorption. In this study, a kind of 3D spherical flower‐like structure was constructed by self‐assembly of 2D nanosheets, the Bi 2 S 3 particles with 5 ± 1 nm diameter were modified on the surfaces of Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 nanosheets to prepare the Bi 2 S 3 /Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 composite. The energy level difference (0.45 eV) between the conduction bands (CB) of Bi 2 S 3 and Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 led to which the e − was transferred to CB of Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 . The energy level difference (0.83 eV) between the CB of Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 and the valence band (VB) of Bi 2 S 3 was much smaller than the band gap (1.28 eV) of Bi 2 S 3 , and it led to which the electrons on the CB of Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 were recombined with the holes on the VB of Bi 2 S 3 . A kind of innovative type heterojunction was constructed between Bi 2 S 3 and Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 , which encouraged the photogenerated h + and ·OH to be located on the VB of Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 with the strongest oxidation potential, the prepared material showed excellent performance for the photodegradation of RhB, and the active groups were also controlled in the photocatalysis process.