Synthesis temperature-driven enhancements in BiOI photocatalysis: A hydrothermal approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55713/jmmm.v35i3.2318Keywords:
Bismuth oxoiodide (BiOI), Hydrothermal synthesis, Photocatalysis, Visible light, Indigo carmine degradation, Wastewater treatmentAbstract
Bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) is a promising photocatalyst for visible-light-driven environmental remediation. However, its photocatalytic efficiency is highly dependent on synthesis conditions, particularly hydrothermal temperature, which governs its structural, optical, and electronic properties. In this study, BiOI was synthesized via a hydrothermal method at temperatures of 120℃, 150℃, 180℃, and 210℃ to investigate the effect of temperature on its photocatalytic performance systematically. Comprehensive characterizations, including X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence and photocatalytic degradation studies, were conducted to analyze crystallinity, morphology, band structure and charge transfer properties. The results demonstrated that BiOI synthesized at 180℃ exhibited an optimal combination of crystallinity and particle dispersion, which enhanced charge separation and photocatalytic activity. It achieved a degradation efficiency of 94% for indigo carmine within 60 min under visible light irradiation. The bandgap energy and electronic structure of BiOI played a critical role in determining the dominant reactive species, with superoxide radicals (•O2−) being the primary contributors to indigo carmine degradation. The study provides new insights into the relationship between synthesis temperature, structural evolution, and photocatalytic efficiency, offering a scalable and effective approach for optimizing BiOI-based photocatalysts for environmental applications.
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