The synthesis of high photocatalytic activity BiOBr nanosheets with dominant exposed (010) facets

The BiOBr nanosheets were prepared via a UV irradiation-assisted synthesis method. The UV irradiation leads to the change of atomic chemical environment and surface electron density during the synthetic process, which is conductive to broadening the visible absorption region and improving specific surface area. In addition, the solvent also plays a key role on the crystal size of catalysts. The ethanol is facilitated to obtain smaller particles. It is more easily formed the oxygen vacancy on the (010) facets via the UV irradiation. Analysis shows that all samples prepared via UV light and ethanol display the highest photoactivity. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect between UV irradiation-assisted synthesis and alcohol solvent, which is favor for exposing dominant (010) facets, larger specific surface area wider visible absorption region, and more oxygen vacancy.