Physics

Electron

Organic chemistry

Photocatalysis

Absorption (acoustics)

Engineering

Catalysis

Composite material

Photodegradation

Inorganic chemistry

Chemistry

Materials science

Nitric acid

Methyl orange

Quantum mechanics

Chemical engineering

Photochemistry

ChemCatChem

We herein prepared defective Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 microspheres via a simple nitric acid treatment method. Upon generation from Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 , electrons and holes were superbly separated with the existence of defects. Combined with the advantages of multiple scattering and reflection, a large surface area and increased range of visible‐light absorption, the defective Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 dispalyed a high efficiency for the photodegradation of HCHO gases and methyl orange. The defective Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 also possessed a superior stability, which is important for practical applications. This work opens up new opportunities for the design and fabrication of high‐activity Bi‐based photocatalysts for environmental protection.

Enhanced Efficiency of Electron–Hole Separation in Bi2O2CO3 for Photocatalysis via Acid Treatment