Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of BiOBr/Kaolinite Composite

Abstract Bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) nanoflowers were anchored onto kaolinite nanosheets via a calcination method. Assisted by characterization methods including XRD, SEM, and XPS, the microstructures of photocatalysts were comparatively investigated. The findings revealed a close integration of BiOBr nanoflowers with kaolinite, resulting in a gradual phase transition and augmented surface oxygen. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance was assessed by investigating the degradation of organic dyes under visible light irradiation. Notably, the experimental results demonstrated that the degradation efficiencies of BiOBr/kaolinite composites were higher than that of pure BiOBr. The ⋅O 2 − was proven to be the major active radical in the photocatalytic process. This study presents a straightforward approach for fabricating BiOBr‐based photocatalysts, showcasing their enhanced performance in organic dye degradation under visible light.