Pt nanoparticles decorated rose-like Bi(2)O(2)CO(3) configurations for efficient photocatalytic removal of water organic pollutants

Pt nanoparticles decorated with rose-like Bi(2)O(2)CO(3) configurations were synthesized via a simple photoreduction method at room temperature. The structure, morphology, optical and electronic properties, and photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared materials were characterized. Compared to pure Bi(2)O(2)CO(3), the Pt/Bi(2)O(2)CO(3) photocatalysts show better performance in decomposing RhB, BPA and OTC under visible light (λ > 420 nm). The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Pt/Bi(2)O(2)CO(3) could be attributed to the modification in light absorption (λ > 420 nm) charge migration and the separation of photo-generated electrons (e(−)) and holes (h(+)). Free radical trapping experiments demonstrated that the main active species of the catalytic reaction are different in decomposing RhB and BPA.