Construction of CoTiO3/BiOI p-n heterojunction with nanosheets-on microrods structure for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutions.

Schematic diagram of band structure and the transfer of photoinduced carrier in CoTiO 3 /BiOI composites. [Display omitted] • CoTiO 3 /BiOI (CTOB) heterostructures were synthesized for the first time. • The CTOB heterojunction promoted the separation of photogenerated carriers. • CTOB-15 composite showed highly improved photocatalytic performance. • Reactive species h+ and O 2 − were the dominant active species. Herein, a novel CoTiO 3 /BiOI (CTOB) p-n heterojunction with nanosheets-on microrods structure were prepared via a simple coprecipitation method for the first time. The catalysts were carefully characterized by various instruments. The CTOB heterostructures display improved photocatalytic performance towards RhB degradation. Among CTOB composites, CTOB-15 exhibits the optimal photocatalytic performance. Moreover, CTOB-15 also shows enhanced photocatalytic activity for MO and TC degradation compared to bare catalysts. The degradation rate constants for RhB and MO by CTOB-15 heterostructure are ca 1.6 and 1.4-fold higher than bare BiOI. The improved photocatalytic performance could be on account of the efficient separation of photoinduced carriers as well as enhanced light absorbance. Trapping experiments indicates that holes (h+) and superoxide anion radical (O 2 –) play a significant role in the removal of RhB by CTOB composites. The excellent photocatalytic activity and stability make it a promising photocatalyst in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]