title: 3D Bi12TiO20/TiO2 hierarchical heterostructure: synthesis and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities.
abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) multicomponent oxide, Bi(12)TiO(20)/TiO(2) hierarchical heterostructure was successfully synthesized via a one-step and template-free hydrothermal route. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements confirm that the composition of the as-fabricated sample is Bi(12)TiO(20)/TiO(2) composite. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy observation reveals that the as-synthesized sample is microsized flower-like hierarchical networks consisted of Bi(12)TiO(20) nanorods decorated with the primary TiO(2) nanoparticles. Extension of the light absorption from the ultraviolet region to the visible-light region was confirmed by UV-vis absorption spectra. Due to the structure-property relationships, the 3D Bi(12)TiO(20)/TiO(2) heterostructure exhibited enhanced visible photocatalytic activity over that of Bi(12)TiO(20) and TiO(2) samples in the decomposition of Rhodamine B in water which is a typical model pollutant. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the extended absorption in the visible light region resulting from the 3D Bi(12)TiO(20)/TiO(2) heterostructures, and the effective separation of photogenerated carriers driven by the photoinduced potential difference generated at the Bi(12)TiO(20)/TiO(2) junction interface, demonstrating that the Bi(12)TiO(20)/TiO(2) heterostructure is a promising candidate as a visible light photocatalyst.
authors.affiliation: School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China. lorinhjg@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Jungang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Zheng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Shuqiang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jiao
authors.forename: Hongmin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhu
mesh_terms: D001729:Bismuth / Q000737:chemistry*; D002384:Catalysis; D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; D008027:Light; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D010777:Photochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: C550183:bismuth titanate; D014867:Water; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium; D001729:Bismuth