Exploring the synergistic role of crystal facet and phase at hetero-interface towards light-switchable chemoselective oxidation over bismuth-based catalysts

The surface or interface facets design is a versatile strategy to improve essential catalytic features to enhance efficiency. Herein, a systematic study was conducted to explore the roles of exposed facets at the surface of a bare catalyst or interfaces of hybrid Bi-based catalysts. The facet- and phase-controlled catalysts were synthesized via hydrolysis. Zn⁺ cations on the optimized hybrid structure served as additional active sites. Their contributions to promoting charge transfer and inhibiting electron-hole recombination resulted in enhanced photo-oxidation. The catalytic and photocatalytic activities were measured in gaseous 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) detoxification and liquid benzyl alcohol oxidation. A light-switchable chemo-selective change from dehydrohalogenation to oxidation was observed during CEES detoxification. Compared to degradation under dark, a significant enhancement in CEES degradation was observed under simulated solar light. The developed B-mBP-ZnO catalyst exhibited superior performances in photo-oxidation of CEES to chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide and benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde.