Novel two-dimensional Bi4V2O11 nanosheets: controllable synthesis, characterization and insight into the band structureElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7ce02151h

In this work, a stable EDTA-Bi complex formed by the chelation of bismuth ions and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) under alkaline conditions was adopted to controllably prepare novel two-dimensional (2D) Bi 4 V 2 O 11 nanosheets via a facile hydrothermal method. It is proved that the phases of the product will change with the variation of the amount of EDTA and the pH value of the precursor solution. The fabricated Bi 4 V 2 O 11 has a uniform sheet-like structure with a thickness of 1.26 nm. Based on the experimental results, we provide a reasonable nucleation and growth mechanism for Bi 4 V 2 O 11 nanosheets, which could give some suggestions on the synthesis of other 2D Bi-based materials. On the basis of Mott-Schottky plots and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, we demonstrate that the as-obtained Bi 4 V 2 O 11 is an n-type semiconductor and possesses a better light-harvesting ability in comparison with monoclinic BiVO 4 . In addition, the corresponding conduction band potential and valence band potential of the Bi 4 V 2 O 11 nanosheets are ascertained as well. Novel two-dimensional Bi 4 V 2 O 11 nanosheets were controllably prepared using a stable [Bi(EDTA)] − complex, and their band structures were investigated as well.