Solvothermal synthesis of BiOI flower-like microspheres for efficient photocatalytic degradation of BPA under visible light irradiation

In this study, BiOI was fabricated via a solvothermal synthesis method. Based on characterization using XRD, BET, SEM, TEM and XPS, layered-structure BiOI with a pure orthorhombic phase and flower-like microsphere morphology was successfully prepared. Compared with P25 TiO2, BiOI had higher photocatalytic activity towards 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (BPA) degradation under visible light irradiation. The results of photocurrent generation also proved that BiOI had excellent photocurrent response to visible light. Hence, the good photocatalytic performance of BiOI was attributed to its enhanced light absorption and separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. ESR measurements further confirmed that hydroxyl radicals were generated and involved in the BPA photodegradation process.