A series of BiOBr/BiOI photocatalysts supported on fly-ash cenospheres (FACs) were successfully prepared via a facile one-pot alcoholysis method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results indicate that pH value plays a critical role in BiOBr/BiOI loading. Based on the photodegradation tests under visible light irradiation (blue LED irradiation), the photocatalytic property of BiOBr/BiOI/FACs photocatalysts obtained under alkaline conditions is superior to that prepared under neutral or acidic conditions, and higher than those of BiOB/FACs and BiOI//FACs. The improved photocatalytic performance of BiOBr/BiOI/FACs can be attributed to more BiOBr/BiOI loaded on the surface of FACs and the efficient photogenerated electron-hole separation.
Keywords: BiOBr/BiOI; fly-ash cenospheres; pH value; photocatalytic activity.