New type of [Bi6O6(OH)3](NO3)3·1.5H2O sheets photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity on degradation of phenol

•Novel [Bi6O6(OH)3](NO3)3·1.5H2O sheets photocatalyst was synthesized and characterized.•The catalyst exhibited better photocatalytic effects superior to that of classic TiO2 P25.•Photodegradation mechanism was direct oxidation/reduction product of phenol by HO/O2-.

A new type of [Bi6O6(OH)3](NO3)3·1.5H2O sheets photocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The photocatalytic properties were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and UV spectroscopy. It exhibited slightly better photocatalytic activity on phenol degradation than that of classic TiO2 P25 under UV illumination. Hydroquinone, catechol, resorcinol, and benzoquinone were identified as photodegradation intermediates. It has the advantages of high effective photodegradation efficiency and easy separation properties.