Controllable synthesis of hierarchical Bi2CuO4 microspheres in aqueous solution and their highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities

Hierarchical Bi2CuO4 microspheres constructed with 2D rod-like or cube-like nanostructures were successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal process in aqueous solution. It was found that potassium hydroxide (KOH) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) had a significant influence on the structure and size of the Bi2CuO4 microspheres. The photocatalytic activities of the prepared Bi2CuO4 microspheres were determined by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The results revealed that the hierarchical Bi2CuO4 microspheres exhibited a remarkable visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic activities of the Bi2CuO4 microspheres were also strongly related to their structure and size. More importantly, Bi2CuO4 microspheres with small sizes and loose structures displayed superior photocatalytic activity to that of commercial P25.