Enhanced photocatalytic activity and reaction mechanism of Ag-doped α-Bi₂O₃ nanosheets

ABSTRACT

The α-Bi₂O₃ and Ag-doped nanosheets were successfully prepared via a citric method. Based on the sodium oxalate scavenger, it was inferred that the hole plays a key role in the photooxidation process for silver-doped Bi₂O₃. Combined further with the IR analysis, it is found that the $\mathbf{\cdot }{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{2}}^{\mathbf{-}}$ has an effect on the decolorization of methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation. The O₂/H₂O₂ electrode could contribute to the separation of electron−hole pairs due to the electrons flowing from CB to this electrode. As a result, the doped Ag species greatly affected the photocatalytic activities of Bi₂O₃ by the oxidative decolorization of MB.

KEYWORDS:

• Bismuth oxide
• nanosheet
• photocatalytic activities
• Ag doping
• scavenger

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge financial supports from the Education Department Program of Heilongjiang Province (12541111), Postdoctoral Research Foundation of Heilongjiang Province, and Program for Innovative Research Team in the University of Heilongjiang Province (2013TD008).