Nanosphere of Pb-modified bismuth-based borate photocatalysts

Bi_2-xPb_xO₂(BO₂OH) nanospheres are synthesised by means of one-step hydrothermal route by embedding Pb²⁺ to Bi₂O²⁺₂ layers. The obtained materials are characterised by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet (UV)-vis diffuse reflectance, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity is measured by decomposition of rhodamine B under UV-light irradiation. Photocatalytic performance is boosted after inducing Pb impurity into pure Bi₂O₂(BO₂OH) lattice, because the impurity energy level could capture the holes and restrain the recombination of electron-hole pairs. Electronic properties of the fabricated nanospheres are investigated via first-principle calculations. The highest photocatalytic performance is found in the modified Bi₂O₂(BO₂OH) with a doping concentration of Bi/Pb = 1.5/0.5, which outperformed the pure even the commercial P25.