Template-free synthesis of Na0.5Bi2.5Ta2O9/Bi4TaO8Cl nano-heterostructures via a one-pot molten salt reaction for efficient photocatalysis

Abstract

We present a simple template free one-pot molten salt method to fabricate Na_0.5Bi_2.5Ta₂O₉/Bi₄TaO₈Cl (NBTO/BTOC) nano-heterostructure photocatalysts. NBTO/BTOC was demonstrated to exhibit a higher photocatalytic degradation activity of RhB dye under both visible and UV-vis light irradiation than the pure NBTO photocatalyst. Furthermore, a controlled degradation rate was achieved by adjusting BTOC contents. The BTOC phase in NBTO/BTOC was found to play a dual role in improving the photocatalytic activity namely, promoting the interfacial charge separation and transfer, and increasing visible light absorption. The current research provides valuable insight for designing nanocomposite photocatalysts and promoting the utilization of broad-spectrum solar light.