The enhanced photocatalytic properties of Bi/BiOCl composites for H2O2 production

Abstract

The development of high-efficiency economic photocatalysts for the production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is of great significance for solar-to-fuel conversion. Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) shows great potential for photocatalytic H₂O₂ production, but the rapid recombination of electron–hole pairs reduces its photocatalytic performance. Herein, a series of Bi nanoparticle modified BiOCl (Bi/BiOCl) composites is constructed by an in situ chemical reduction to boost the spatial charge separation and transportation to enhance the photocatalytic performance for H₂O₂ production. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of localized surface plasmon resonance, the formation of Schottky barriers, and the in situ fabricated heterojunction that results in strong interfacial forces and tight contact, the obtained Bi/BiOCl composites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic capability for H₂O₂ production; the best sample can enable an impressive H₂O₂ production rate of 108 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which is much higher than that of individual BiOCl. The present work provides a clear understanding of the mechanisms of Bi nanoparticle modified BiOCl composites for photocatalytic H₂O₂ production, which will be useful for the development of catalysts toward solar-to-fuel conversion.