Enhancement of visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance of BiOBr nanosheets by Co2+ doping

In this work, Co2+ modification influence on the visible-light-induced photocatalytic performance of BiOBr was investigated. BiOBr and Co2+-doped BiOBr (Co/BiOBr) nanosheets were fabricated through a facile solvothermal way. The morphology, structure, chemical composition and optical properties of the photocatalysts were characterized by various techniques. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of Co/BiOBr nanosheets and indicated the doped Co2+ had little influence on the surface morphology and crystal structure but expanded the light absorption region. Photoelectrochemical measurements were applied to evaluate the semiconducting properties of Co/BiOBr, and the results implied that compared with the undoped sample, Co/BiOBr had higher charge transfer efficiency and smaller charge transfer resistance which were beneficial to the improvement of visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance. The as-synthesized Co/BiOBr nanosheets exhibited excellent catalytic activity and stability in the photodecomposition of contaminants.