Solar Light-Driven Molecular Oxygen Activation by BiOCl Nanosheets: Synergy of Coexposed {001}, {110} Facets and Oxygen Vacancies

Single-crystalline BiOCl nanosheets with coexposed {001} and {110} facets, as well as oxygen vacancies, were synthesized using a simple method. These nanosheets have the ability to activate molecular oxygen, producing reactive superoxide radicals (77.8%) and singlet oxygen (22.2%) when exposed to solar light. The BiOCl demonstrated excellent photocatalytic efficiency in producing H2O2 under simulated solar light and in oxidatively hydroxylating phenylboronic acid under blue LED light. Our research highlights the significance of constructing coexposed {001} and {110} facets, as well as oxygen vacancies, in enhancing photocatalytic performance. The BiOCl nanosheets have the capability to produce H2O2 with a solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency of 0.11%.