Enhanced Efficiency of Electron–Hole Separation in Bi₂O₂CO₃ for Photocatalysis via Acid Treatment

Abstract

Abstract We herein prepared defective Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 microspheres via a simple nitric acid treatment method. Upon generation from Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 , electrons and holes were superbly separated with the existence of defects. Combined with the advantages of multiple scattering and reflection, a large surface area and increased range of visible‐light absorption, the defective Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 dispalyed a high efficiency for the photodegradation of HCHO gases and methyl orange. The defective Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 also possessed a superior stability, which is important for practical applications. This work opens up new opportunities for the design and fabrication of high‐activity Bi‐based photocatalysts for environmental protection.