Bismuth molybdate (Bi2MoO6) and bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) are two materials with promising photocatalytic performance at visible wavelengths. Previous studies have shown that nano-structuring can enhance the photocatalytic activity, as well as provide insights into the catalytic reaction mechanism. The layered, Aurivillius-type structure of Bi2MoO6 and Bi2WO6 naturally leads to anisotropic crystal growth. As a result, the most common morphologies are aggregates or flowerlike structures composed of nanoplatelets. We discuss here new approaches to well-defined, freestanding nanosheets of Bi2MoO6 and Bi2WO6. We demonstrate several template-based methods: (1) the reaction between Cs4W11O36-2 nanosheets and in situ generated [Bi6O6(OH)3](NO3)3 nanosheets to yield Bi2WO6 nanosheets under hydrothermal conditions, (2) the reaction between Cs4W11O36-2 nanosheets and Bi2O2[BO2(OH)] nanosheets to yield Bi2WO6 nanosheets under hydrothermal conditions, and (3) the reaction between MoO3 nanosheets and in situ generated [Bi6O6(OH)3](NO3)3 nanosheets to yield Bi2MoO6 nanosheets under hydrothermal conditions. Both Bi2MoO6 and Bi2WO6 are active for the photodegradation of organic molecules, and the Bi2WO6 system in particular exhibits interesting photochromic behavior.

2D structuring of photocatalytic bismuth-based metal oxides

249th National Meeting (2015)

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