Novel Bismuth-Oxyhalide-Based Materials and their Applications (eBook)

Dr. Gondal is a distinguished professor at Physics Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and visiting researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA since 2012. Dr. Gondal received his Ph.D from the University of Bonn, Germany. He has been a regular associate member of the International Center for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy (1988–1995) and member of the editorial boards of seven international journals. Dr. Gondal’s research interests are lasers, photonics, nanotechnology, materials science, sensors, solar cells, laser remote sensing, pollution monitoring, development of laser-based analytical techniques (LIDAR, PAS, LIBS,LEI), methane cracking using photolysis, laser-photo-catalysis for production of high value hydrocarbons and hydrogen for fuel cells, wastewater treatment and disinfection of bacteria. Dr. Gondal has published over 450 research papers in ISI journals and conferences of high repute. He has 15 patents so far published by the US patent office. He has contributed numerous book chapters. Dr. Gondal was awarded the Al-Marai Innovation Prize for the year 2011 for the application of nano-structured materials for environmental, three times Distinguished (Best) researcher award, and the Best Project Award by the KFUPM.  Xiaofeng Chang is a Ph.D research scholar at the College of Material Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China. Chang has published over 50 research papers in ISI journals and conference proceedings. He has numerous patents and good citations.  Mohamed Abdulkader Dastageer is currently a lecturer in Physics and scientist at the Laser Research Group at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia. He took his Master’s degree in Physics from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia. His areas of specialization are laser molecular spectroscopy, optical properties of functional materials and photocatalysis for the production of high value hydrocarbons, wastewater treatment and disinfection of bacteria. He is a research team member of the KFUPM-MIT, USA and KFUPM-NUS, Singapore collaborative research projects. He has several research publications in reputed international journals, book chapters and a few patents to his credit.

Preface 6
Acknowledgements 8
Contents 9
About the Authors 11
1 Introduction to Bismuth Oxyhalides 12
Abstract 12
1.1 Background 12
1.2 Importance of Bismuth-Based Functional Materials 13
1.3 Unique Characteristics of Bismuth Oxyhalides 14
References 16
2 Microstructure, Morphology, and Surface Structure of Bismuth Oxyhalides 18
Abstract 18
2.1 Space Group and Atomic Coordination (XRD Analysis) 18
2.2 Raman and FTIR Analysis 23
2.3 Surface Chemical Structure 27
2.4 HRTEM Images and Analysis 29
References 37
3 Band Structure, Band Energy, and Density of States 39
Abstract 39
References 40
4 Optical Properties of Bismuth Oxyhalides 42
Abstract 42
4.1 Optical Properties of Semiconductors 42
4.2 Absorption/Reflectance Spectra of Bismuth Oxyhalides 43
4.3 Photoluminescence Spectra of Bismuth Oxyhalides 44
References 48
5 Preparation Techniques and Crystal Growth Processes 49
Abstract 49
5.1 Preparation by Hydrolysis (Precipitation) Method 49
5.1.1 Bi3+–X? (X = Cl, Br, I) Aqueous System 49
5.1.2 Other Hydrolysis Processes 51
5.1.3 Precipitation Preparation of BiOF 53
5.2 Preparation by Heat Treatment 54
5.3 Vapor-Phase Synthesis 55
5.4 Hydrothermal Preparation/Growth Process 57
5.5 Solvothermal Preparation/Growth Process 59
5.5.1 Alcoholic-Mediated Process 59
5.5.2 Others Solvothermal Systems 61
5.6 Special Halide Source-Induced Preparation 61
5.6.1 Reactive Ionic Liquid 61
5.6.2 Reactive Surfactant 65
5.7 Other Preparation Methods 68
References 69
6 Modified Bismuth Oxihalide Semiconductors 72
Abstract 72
6.1 Metal–BiOX Hybrid System 72
6.1.1 Metal as a Co-catalyst 72
6.1.2 Metal as a Surface Resonance Plasmon Probe 75
6.2 Carbon–BiOX Hybrid System 79
6.3 Semiconductor-BiOX Hybrid System 82
References 93
7 Applications of Bismuth Oxyhalides 95
Abstract 95
7.1 Application of BiOX as a Photocatalyst 95
7.1.1 Degradation of Organic, Inorganic Pollutants, and Microorganisms 95
7.1.2 Water Splitting 104
7.2 Application of BiOX in Secondary Batteries 105
7.3 Application of BiOX in Gas Sensors 108
7.4 Application of BiOX in Solar Cells 109
References 111
8 Latest and Future Prospects of Bismith Oxyhalides 114
Abstract 114
8.1 Future Plans for Preparation of BIOX 115
8.2 Focus on Multidimensional Shape-Dependent (or Layered) BiOX 115
8.3 Future Methodologies for the Production of Nano BiOX 118
8.4 Heterojunction Structures of Bismuth Oxyhalides 119
References 121