Plasmonic Bi-Modified Bi2Sn2O7 Nanosheets for Efficient Photocatalytic NO Removal

The photocatalytic removal of nitric oxide (NO) is a promising technology used to reduce the level of harmful gaseous pollutants in parts per billion (ppb). As a potential photocatalyst, Bi2Sn2O7 has a low quantum efficiency due to its fast recombination rate of photo-generated carriers. In this paper, Bi/Bi2Sn2O7 was prepared by the in situ deposition of Bi. The structural, electrical, and optical properties of the attained sample were investigated through a series of analyses. The results demonstrate that Bi nanoparticles not only enhance the photoabsorption ability of Bi2Sn2O7 due to their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect, but also improve its photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated by the oxidation of NO at ppb level under xenon lamp (λ > 400 nm) irradiation. It was found that the photocatalytic NO removal rate increased from 7.2% (Bi2Sn2O7) to 38.6% (Bi/Bi2Sn2O7). The loading of Bi promotes the separation and migration of photo-generated carriers and enhances the generation of • O2− and • OH radicals responsible for the oxidation of NO. The Bi/Bi2Sn2O7 composite photocatalyst also exhibits excellent photocatalytic stability, which makes it a potential candidate for use in air purification systems.