Nd3+-doped β-Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3 composite nanoplates fabricated via phase transformation and their superior visible light photocatalytic performance for removing phenols and dyes

Novel Nd3+-doped β-Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3 composite nanoplates have been synthesized via a facile phase transformation route. The products generated in the phase transformation process of Nd3+-doped Bi2O2CO3 crystals were analyzed by a series of physicochemical techniques, e.g., TG-DTG, BET, XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, and UV–vis DRS. The analysis results revealed that when the calcination temperature increased to 300℃, a phase transformation occurred (Bi2O2CO3 → Bi2O3). However, the doping of Nd3+ could restrain the conversion of β-Bi2O3 to α-Bi2O3 and promote the stability of β-Bi2O3 crystal phase during the cooling process. The obtained Nd3+/β-Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3 composite nanoplates possess superior visible light photocatalytic performance in the decomposition of phenols (phenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, bisphenol A, 4-nitrophenol) and acid orange II. The intimate β-Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3 heterojunction largely boosted the separation of photo-generated electrons and holes. Moreover, the doped Nd3+ could also participate in the capture of electrons. Thus, more photo-generated electrons and holes are available to participate in the decomposition of pollutants. The Nd3+doped β-Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3 composite nanosheets synthesized via a facile phase transformation route display superior visible light photocatalytic performance for phenols (phenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, bisphenol A, 4-nitrophenol) and dye mineralization.