Fabrication of hierarchical Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets on carbon fibers with improved photocatalytic activity

• Hierarchical ultrathin Bi4Ti3O12 NSs on CFs have been successfully prepared.
• The hierarchical nanostructures show improved photocatalytic activity.
• Bi stabilized the (001) facet of TiO2 during hydrothermal process.

A novel hierarchical structure featuring ultra-thin Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets (NSs) attached on carbon fibers (CFs) was fabricated by using CFs supported TiO2 NSs with dominant (001) facets as the precursor. The as-prepared Bi4Ti3O12 NSs are 8–14 nm in thickness, 1.2–2 µm in length and 450 nm in width. Especially, the hierarchical CFs supported NSs are dominated with highly exposed (001) facets. During the hydrothermal process, the difference in dissolution ability among various facets of TiO2 precursors may affect the morphology of as-prepared Bi4Ti3O12 nanostructures. The novel hierarchical nanostructures show improved photocatalytic activity. This hierarchical photocatalyst with good stability also greatly enhances the recyclable ability of the NSs.

Hierarchical structures of ultrathin Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets on carbon fibers exhibit improved photocatalytic activity and good recycled ability.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide