Synthesis of flower‐like CeO ₂ /BiOCl heterostructures with enhanced ultraviolet light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Flower‐like CeO 2 /bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) heterostructures were successfully prepared by a simple two‐step solvothermal/hydrothermal method. The prepared materials were characterised via powder X‐ray diffraction measurements, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. Photocatalytic activities of the materials in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) were studied. The results showed that all of the materials were successfully prepared. In particular, the BiOCl looks like a cluster of chestnut balls and the CeO 2 /BiOCl composite showing a flower‐like morphology. Compared with the pure BiOCl or CeO 2 , the CeO 2 /BiOCl composite showed higher photocatalytic activity for degradation of RhB in aqueous solution under ultraviolet light irradiation.