{010}-Oriented micro-flower-like hierarchical Bi2WO6 with high adsorptivity and visible-light-driven photoactivity: experimental studies and first-principles modeling.

{010}-Oriented flower-like Bi 2 WO 6 with high adsorptivity and photoactivity was prepared via a hydrothermal method without any additives under neutral environment. The anisotropic flower-like Bi 2 WO 6 shows greatly enhanced adsorptivity and photoactivity compared with isotropic particle Bi 2 WO 6 as well as most of other forms of Bi 2 WO 6 . The superior adsorptivity shows potential in suitability for majority of dyes. Detailed study on microstructure and morphology indicates that mesoporous structure and large surface area mainly contribute to the superior properties. Especially, {010} crystal planes of flower-like Bi 2 WO 6 terminated with [Bi 2 O 2 ] 2+ layers provide more adsorption sites for dyes than other facets. In combination with first-principles calculations, it is initially revealed that {010}-oriented facets preference benefits hole distribution at surface and provides the most reactive sites, thus enhances the photoactivity of the flower-like Bi 2 WO 6 . Moreover, the anisotropic flower-like Bi 2 WO 6 shows excellent recyclability and cycling stability with great potential in environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]