An easy synthesis of 1D bismuth nanostructures in acidic solution and their photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

A facile aqueous process was explored for the preparation of 1D Bi nanostructures with sodium-hypophosphite (NaH2PO2⋅H2O) as reducing agent at low temperature, introduction of tartaric acid (H2C4H4O6, TA) to the reaction system was essential for our strategy in acidic solutions. The achieved 1D nanostructures have typical diameters of 30–50 nm and length of up to 5 μm. Reaction parameters on the preparation of Bi nanostructures were manipulated, and the results reveal that the amount of TA and reaction temperature have important effects on the morphology of the as-obtained samples. The reduction process of Bi (III) to Bi (0) was discussed based on the characteristics of the reaction system employed. Photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation were investigated on the 1D Bi nanostructured samples. The results indicated that the 1D Bi nanostructures exhibited good photocatalytic property, the degradation efficiency can reach 99% after 150 min’s irradiation. Possible mechanism was proposed for Bi-assisted photocatalytic degradation of RhB under visible light.

► 1D Bi nanostructures have been mildly synthesized via an aqueous reduction method. ► The amount of tartaric acid has important effects on the shape of the samples. ► The reaction temperature has a key role in the shape evolution of 1D Bi nanostructures. ► The 1D Bi nanostructures exhibited good photocatalytic activity to RhB degradation.