Bismuth terephthalate induced Bi(0) for enhanced RhB photodegradation and 4-nitrophenol reduction

A facile reductive method was used to prepare the semimetal Bi(0) through reacting Bi(NO3)3 with NaI. The Bi(0) incorporated bismuth terephthalate hybrids were prepared from two different strategies with enhanced visible light photodegradation of RhB and reduction of 4-nitrophenol. The synergistic interaction between layered bismuth terephthalate and Bi(0) with SPR effects could induce the effective separation of photogenerated electrons and holes that leading to the enhancement of their oxidation performance. In the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, bismuth terephthalate may act as an excellent supporter and as a precursor which in situ produces the semimetal Bi(0). The Bi(0) incorporated bismuth terephthalate reported in this work can be potentially applied in visible light photooxidation and reduction of organic compounds.