Bi2MoO6 Nanostrip Networks for Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CH4

A three-dimensional Bi2MoO6 nanostrip architecture was synthesized by the hydrothermal method using sodium oleate as a surfactant. The generated Bi2MoO6 nanostrips intercross with each other to form a unique network structure with a band gap of 2.92 eV, corresponding to visible-light wavelength. Time-evolution experiments reveal the formation mechanism of the Bi2MoO6 network. The photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4 catalyzed by the Bi2MoO6 architecture was evaluated and compared with the process catalyzed by a Bi2MoO6 nanoplate analogue synthesized in the absence of sodium oleate as well as with the solid-state reaction. The Bi2MoO6 nanostrips exhibit the best photocatalytic activity, which can be attributed to their high specific surface area, high light-absorption intensity, suitable thickness for fast charge-carrier migration, and the presence of pores for reactant transport.