Phase-controlled synthesis of bismuth oxide polymorphs for photocatalytic applications

Abstract

In this study, bismuth oxide polymorphs (α and β phases) were synthesized using a post-calcination method using Bi2O2CO3 nanoflakes as an intermediate. These samples were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption, photoluminescence studies and microscopic analysis (scanning and transmission electron microscopy). The mechanism of the formation of β-Bi2O3 nanoparticles and the α-Bi2O3 coral-like morphology has been proposed. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of the bismuth oxide polymorphs was investigated via the degradation of organic dyes (rhodamine B, methy..