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Abstract In this work, two Bi-based semiconductors composites was synthesized through the BiVO 4 quantum dots (BVO QDs) was grown on the Bi 12 TiO 20 (BTO) via an in-suit growth with the ultrasonic method, which was more stability and evenly dispersed. As expected, the BVO-BTO composites exhibited increased visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance for photo-degradation due to the advantages of BVO QDs. Moreover, the possible mechanism of BVO-BTO composites was studied by trapping experiment, photocurrent, UV–vis and so on. The results demonstrated that the BVO QDs can widen the light response range to visible region and hasten the charge transfer and separation. Thus, the photocatalytic activity was enhanced through the BVO QDs decorated on BTO, which provided a new idea for designing Bi-based materials. Highlights • Two Bi-based materials were used to design the BiVO 4 quantum dots/Bi 12 TiO 20 composites. • The in-suit growth with the ultrasonic method was benefit to stability and dispersed. • The BVO-BTO composites have a better light response and electron transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel, simple, economical and green carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were obtained by hydrothermal method using bamboo as a carbon source at the first time. In order to further the use of such CQDs, we reported the facile fabrication of CQDs/Bi 3 Ti 4 O 12 (BTO) nanosheets photocatalysts. The experimental results indicated that CQDs were successfully coupled with BTO nanosheets, exhibiting excellent photocatalytic activity than bare BTO. The improved photodegradation efficiency was attributed to the extended light absorption range, and increased separation rate of electron-holes pairs. At last, a possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. The design of such CQDs from the creature with semiconductor can be extended to photocatalytic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring semiconductor-based photocatalysis toward reaching solar energy conversion was an ideal strategy. Here, Ni(OH) 2 was used an effective co-catalyst instead of noble metal to construct a novel two dimensional 2D/2D Ni(OH) 2 /Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 composites with interfacial interaction between Ni(OH) 2 and Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12. The layer Ni(OH) 2 /Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 composites showed higher photocatalytic activity as compared to pure samples, which was attributed to the interfacial interaction to promote the electron-holes separation. Thus, this work provided a novel insight into design 2D/2D nanocomposites and proved Ni(OH) 2 could excellently act as the effective co-catalyst instead of noble metal to enhance photocatalytic activity. • An efficient co-catalyst of Ni(OH) 2 instead of noble metal to modify Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12. • A new 2D/2D layer-like Ni(OH) 2 /Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 composites were constructed. • The interfacial interaction and 2D coupling interfaces, promoting the electron-holes separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel non-precious-metal-based composite photocatalysts was developed using layered double hydroxide (NiCo-LDH) and transition metal phosphide (Ni 2 P) to explore the performance of high-efficiency photocatalytic composite materials containing no precious metals. The developed Ni 2 P/NiCo-LDH composites displayed an enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible-light illumination. Further researches confirmed that a unique Co–P bond, which led to an increased light absorption, was formed in the composites. Importantly, this unique Co–P bond reduced the interface transfer resistance of the Ni 2 P/NiCo-LDH composites, enhanced their charge separation efficiency, and formed a rapid charge transport channel between Ni 2 P and NiCo-LDH in the composites to provide improved photocatalytic activity. Additionally, a mechanism was proposed for the further exploration of non-precious metal-based composites. The study provides novel insight into the research on the use of non-precious metal materials and NiCo-LDH in the field of photocatalysis. Image 1 • The Ni 2 P/NiCo-LDH is a composite photocatalyst containing no precious metals. • The Co–P bond accelerated the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers as a charge transfer channel. • Proposed a possible charge transport mechanism for degradation of tetracycline under visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]