Synthesis of Bi4O5I2 for bacterial inactivation with visible light exposure

Bi4O5I2 nanosheets were successfully prepared by the alkaline solvothermal method. On account of the greater redox capacity and more efficient photogenerated charge separation, the photocatalytic performance of Bi4O5I2 for E. coli inactivation was superior to BiOI, and E. coli (106 cfu/mL) was entirely inactivated within 125 min. •OH and h+ destroyed the E. coli cell and led to the apoptosis. This work develops the application of bismuth-rich BiOI to water disinfection.