Carbon quantum dots modified 3D flower-like BiOCl nanostructures with enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

Abstract In this work, a series of carbon quantum dot (CQDs) modified three-dimensional flower-like BiOCl microspheres were synthesized using a simple solvothermal method.A multitude of techniques like XRD, TEM, XPS, BET, XPS UV–vis, PL and EPR were employed to investigate the morphology, structure, optical and electronic properties as well as photocatalytic performance of the samples. The BC-1.5 photocatalyst displays the he best-performing photocatalytic degradation rate of 99% for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under visible-light irradiation within 30 min. The photoactivity is 5.3 times of that of the bare BiOCl. This unique three-dimensional flower-like structure can provide a large number of reaction sites and stronger internal light reflection, which can enhance the absorption of photons. Meanwhile, CQDs enable faster charge transfer and more effective separation of photogenerated charge carriers, thereby increasing the degradation rate. The mechanism of photocatalysis was further proposed, and the charge transfer and active substances formed during photocatalysis were unfolded. This study provides a new opportunity for rational design of efficient photocatalysts in environmental remediation.