Squared-like BiOCl nanosheets synthesized by ethylene glycol-assisted solvothermal method and their photocatalytic performance

Bismuth oxychloride(Bi OCl) with morphology of squared-like nanosheet is synthesized by solvothermal method using ethylene glycol aqueous reaction solution. The product is characterized by X-ray powder diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS), transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis) diffuse reflection spectroscopy, respectively. The layered structure, the hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups and their selective adsorption cause the formation of the squared-like nanosheets. The photocatalytic degradation activity of the as-prepared Bi OCl is tested by the degradation of methyl orange under UV light irradiation. Repeating the degradation process four times under the same condition, the results show that the squared-like Bi OCl nanosheets present high photocatalytic activity and stability.