Bi MoO Nanostrip Networks for Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Reduction of CO to CH.

A three-dimensional Bi MoO nanostrip architecture was synthesized by the hydrothermal method using sodium oleate as a surfactant. The generated Bi MoO nanostrips intercross with each other to form a unique network structure with a band gap of 2.92 eV, corresponding to visible-light wavelength. Time-evolution experiments reveal the formation mechanism of the Bi MoO network. The photocatalytic reduction of CO to CH catalyzed by the Bi MoO architecture was evaluated and compared with the process catalyzed by a Bi MoO nanoplate analogue synthesized in the absence of sodium oleate as well as with the solid-state reaction. The Bi MoO nanostrips exhibit the best photocatalytic activity, which can be attributed to their high specific surface area, high light-absorption intensity, suitable thickness for fast charge-carrier migration, and the presence of pores for reactant transport.