Boosting electron population in δ-Bi2O3 through iron doping for improved photocatalytic activity
Boosting electron population in δ-Bi2O3 through iron doping for improved photocatalytic activity
We successfully stabilize the delta phase of bismuth oxide (δ-Bi2O3) down to room temperature through a simple hydrothermal method. The prepared δ-Bi2O3, which is composed of ultrathin nanosheets, possesses excellent crystallinity. When δ-Bi2O3 is doped with Fe3+, the photocatalytic activity for the mineralization of a number of refractory organic compounds is improved. The improved photocatalytic activity is caused by an increased electron population upon the Fe3+ doping. Additional thermal treatment through a post-calcination at 500°C under air atmosphere results in further increases of photocatalytic activity due to the improved crystallinity, extended light absorption, and better incorporation of Fe3+ into the host lattice.