Ultrathin {001}-Oriented Bismuth Tungsten Oxide Nanosheets as Highly Efficient Photocatalysts

Orient express: Ultrathin nanosheets of bismuth tungsten oxide (Bi2WO6) with {001}-orientation are prepared by a pH-controlled synthesis. The sheets have aspect ratios as large as 30:1, and offer superior adsorption and hole oxidation properties as well as prolonged charge-carrier lifetimes.The ultrathin structures show enhanced photocatalytic activity towards organic contaminant degradation and water oxidation.