Tailored synthesis of BiOI for improving photocatalytic NOx degradation: Graphene oxide and EDTA as structuring agents

Nava-Núñez, M․ Y., Martinez-Topete, A., Jimenez-Relinque, E., Castellote, Marta, Ruiz-Fernández, J., Folli, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8913-6606 and Martínez-de la Cruz, A. 2026. Tailored synthesis of BiOI for improving photocatalytic NOx degradation: Graphene oxide and EDTA as structuring agents. Applied Surface Science Advances 34 , 101014. 10.1016/j.apsadv.2026.101014

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Abstract

A comparative analysis of bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) and its composite with graphene oxide (BiOI/GO) for air purification applications is presented in this study. The primary objective was to identify synthesis conditions that significantly influence the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of BiOI. The materials were synthesized via a coprecipitation method. Graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated to produce BiOI/GO composites, and structuring agents were introduced to regulate the nucleation and growth of the BiOI particles. The synthesized materials were comprehensively characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, and PL analyses. Additionally, EPR spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements were performed to gain a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanism. The results demonstrated that the BiOI sample prepared with EDTA exhibited enhanced physicochemical properties and charge-separation properties. These improvements resulted in high photocatalytic efficiency for the removal of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and excellent selectivity towards nitrate ions formation. Importantly, EPR analysis confirmed that photogenerated holes (h+) were the predominant reactive species in the photooxidation of NO. This finding highlights the crucial role of synthesis routes in tuning morphological and electronic properties, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the resulting photocatalysts.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Chemistry
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	2666-5239
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 June 2026
Date of Acceptance:	19 May 2026
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2026 21:20
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187339

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