Synthesis of a BiOCl(1−x)Br(x)@AgBr heterostructure with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

We present a facile approach to preparing a BiOCl(1−x)Br(x)@AgBr heterostructure using a two-step solvothermal method. Multiple characterisation techniques have been employed to investigate its morphology, structure, optical and electronic properties and photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic activity of the BiOCl(1−x)Br(x)@AgBr heterostructure was sufficiently evaluated by adopting Reactive Blue KN-R as the target organic pollutant under visible light irradiation. The as-prepared BiOCl(1−x)Br(x)@AgBr exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than BiOCl(1−x)Br(x) and BiOCl, which was ascribed to the movement of photogenerated electrons from AgBr to BiOCl(1−x)Br(x), resulting in effective charge separation and transfer. Moreover, the modification of BiOCl(1−x)Br(x) with AgBr broadened the light absorption range, making the composite suitable for visible light excitation. The excellent photocatalytic performance provides potential opportunities to utilize BiOCl(1−x)Br(x)@AgBr for environmental purification and organic pollution treatment of water.