Abstract

BiOI microspheres were synthesized by a solvothermal synthesis route from Bi(NO3)(3)center dot 5H(2)O, using ethylene glycol in the presence of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide. The autoclave temperature was maintained constant at 120 degrees C and the reaction time was varied from 2 to 48 h. The obtained materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, nitrogen adsorption, FTIR and DRS. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of synthesized BiOI was evaluated in the oxidation of caffeic acid under simulated solar irradiation. Samples obtained between 12 and 24h of synthesis present microsphere shapes and higher photocatalytic activity. All materials exhibit higher activities than TiO2 Evonik P25 used as standard catalyst. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.