Facile synthesis of Bi5O7NO3 with enhanced photocatalytic activity by a molten salt strategy and its photocatalytic performance

Abstract Photocatalysis is a promising technology for wastewater treatment as it is a low-cost environmentally friendly method with a high reaction rate. Bi5O7NO3 possesses superb catalytic properties and excellent cycling stability, and can be synthesized by a molten salt method, which has been systematically investigated. The results show that high temperature (≥500 °C) leads to the decomposition of Bi5O7NO3, while low temperature (≤400 °C) causes formation of a pure crystal phase of Bi5O7NO3, which shows excellent photocatalytic performance. The facile synthesis strategy and superior catalytic activity may shed a light on the synthesis of novel catalysis for wastewater treatment.