Construction of bismuth-deposited Bi4O5Br2 complex and exploration of its photocatalytic properties.

Bi/Bi₄O₅Br₂ composite photocatalysts with different loading were prepared by ethylene glycol reduction method. The successful construction of the composite was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, photoluminescence, UV–Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The prepared Bi/Bi₄O₅Br₂ composite can degrade the colored dye RhB and the colorless substance BPA under simulated visible light. The catalytic activity of the composite is obviously improved compared with that of the pure substance, and the photocatalytic performance of 5% loading of composite sample is the best. Through the experiments of photoluminescence spectrum and fluorescence decay curve, it is confirmed that the photo-generated carrier separation efficiency of 5% loading of composite sample is the highest. Radical trapping experiments show that h⁺ plays a major role. The improvement of photocatalytic activity of the composite is attributed to the plasmon resonance effect of Bi, which promotes the transfer and separation of semiconductor interface charge. The composite material has good cycle stability, which provides a research idea for the photocatalytic treatment of wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]