Abstract
In this study, exfoliated mica nanoparticle particles were utilized to reduce the band gap of mica nanoparticles, and the loading of ZnO and BiOCl enhanced the photocatalytic performance. Within the mica nanosheets, exfoliation led to a decrease in band gap energy from 7 eV to 2.5 eV, thereby improving the semiconductor properties of the material. It is more suitable for photocatalysis research and the improvement in photocatalytic capabilities. This research prepared exfoliated mica nanoparticle particles (eMica) via ultrasonic exfoliation combined with CTAB intercalation and acid treatment. Subsequently, a ZnO/BiOCl ternary composite photocatalyst supported on eMica (ZnO/BiOCl@eMica) was synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, chemical composition, morphology, and optical properties of the materials were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The effects of reaction conditions (ZnO/BiOCl molar ratio, catalyst dosage, initial BPA concentration, and solution pH) on photocatalytic performance were investigated through BPA degradation experiments. The results showed that when the molar ratio of eMica:ZnO:BiOCl was 1:3:3, the catalyst dosage was 0.1 g/50 mL, the initial BPA concentration was 20 mg/L, and pH = 10, the composite achieved a BPA degradation efficiency of 98% within 30 min. Free radical trapping experiments confirmed that superoxide anions (·O2−), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and holes (h+) were the primary active species. The excellent performance of the composite is attributed to the high specific surface area and electron transfer capability of eMica, as well as the synergistic charge separation effect of the ZnO/BiOCl heterojunction. Furthermore, the composite maintained nearly 80% degradation efficiency after four cycles, demonstrating good stability and practical potential. Two-dimensional (2D) mica nanoparticles open new opportunities for exploring the photocatalytic properties of 2D materials and show promise in the field of 2D photocatalysis.