DEVELOPMENT OF BiOCl_xBr_1-x/ALUMINA COMPOSITE FILMS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS AS HIGHLY EFFICIENT VISIBLE LIGHT DRIVEN PHOTOCATALYTIC REACTOR

We developed a highly stable 75wt% BiOCl_xBr_1-x loaded alumina composite film for the fabrication of a glass based photoreactor.¹ Firstly, solid solution of bismuth oxyhalides (BiOCl_xBr_1-x) was synthesized at room temperature in a simple process² followed by their incorporation within alumina film support.^3,4 A very simple approach has been adopted which does not involve the use of a special instrument and can be applied to all types of substrates irrespective to their size and shape. The structure and morphology of the BiOCl_xBr_1-x powders and composite films were well characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption, infrared, Raman and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. 1-3 μm BiOCl_xBr_1-x microspheres with closely packed thin nanoplates (width ~10 nm) were integrated within alumina to develop hybrid film. The photocatalytic capacity of the films was evaluated for the decomposition of Rhodamin B and naphthalene under visible light irradiation. The composite films showed a remarkable photocatalytic activity and stability and have been reused for several cycles without any deterioration of their original activity. The proposed process has all the advanced advantages which will make the method suitable for industrial application.

Reference:

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