Squared-like BiOCl nanosheets synthesized by ethylene glycol-assisted solvothermal method and their photocatalytic performance

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) with morphology of squared-like nanosheet is synthesized by solvothermal method using ethylene glycol aqueous reaction solution. The product is characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) diffuse reflection spectroscopy, respectively. The layered structure, the hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups and their selective adsorption cause the formation of the squared-like nanosheets. The photocatalytic degradation activity of the as-prepared BiOCl is tested by the degradation of methyl orange under UV light irradiation. Repeating the degradation process four times under the same condition, the results show that the squared-like BiOCl nanosheets present high photocatalytic activity and stability.