Novel N/Bi-BiOCl nanoplates synthesised in NH3 atmosphere and their enhanced photocatalytic activity

AbstractNovel N-doped Bi-BiOCl nanoplates with the diameter of 50–200 nm were successfully fabricated via calcination route under NH3 atmosphere. The obtained products were investigated by N2 physical adsorption, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis DRS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The characterisations results showed that at appropriate temperatures (300–400 °C), N can be doped into BiOCl and part of Bi3+ can be reduced to Bi metal phase. N-doping or simultaneous Bi deposition can effectively extend the light absorption of BiOCl from UV (200 nm) range to near-infrared region. Under simulated solar light irradiation, the optimal N-doped Bi-BiOCl nanoplates displayed 1.5 times of activity of the pure BiOCl.