Preparation of ultrafine PVP-BiO2-x by mechanochemistry modification for enhanced photocatalytic activity

This study reports the preparation of ultrafine PVP-BiO2-x nanomaterials through ball milling modification, with a particle size distribution range of 5–10 nm. During ball milling, PVP played a protective role in BiO2-x oxygen-deficient materials, reducing the oxidation rate of BiO2-x during mechanical crushing and allowing BiO2-x to exhibit good dispersibility in water. The ultra-small particle size of PVP-BiO2-x enhances its absorption capacity in the visible light spectrum, thereby improving its performance in photocurrent testing. Compared with bulk BiO2-x, PVP-BiO2-x exhibits enhanced photocatalytic performence for rhodamine B and methyl orange under visible light irradiation. This study successfully prepared ultra-small spherical PVP-BiO2-x, showcasing its photocatalytic principles and providing valuable insights into mitigating oxidation challenges in the large-scale fabrication of BiO2-x nanomaterials.