Synthesis and photocatalytic property of BiOBr/palygorskite composites

• BiOBr/palygorskite composite photocatalysts were prepared for the first time.
• The synchronous role of adsorbability and photocatalytic oxidation was studied.
• BiOBr/palygorskite composite exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activities.
• The optimal ratio of [Bi]/palygorskite was identified.

BiOBr/palygorskite composite photocatalysts were prepared by a hydrothermal method for the first time, which were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2-sorption and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was evaluated by decomposition of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. The results revealed that BiOBr/palygorskite composites had strong photoabsorption in the visible light region. All BiOBr/palygorskite composites possessed higher photocatalytic activity than pure BiOBr. The highest activity was obtained by S5.0 sample. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was attributed to strong photoabsorption, the synchronous role of adsorbability and photocatalytic oxidation on BiOBr/palygorskite composites and the efficient separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs.

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