Experimental characterization dataset of Bi₂O₃, BiOCl and Bi₂O₃/BiOCl heterojunctions synthesized by hydrothermal method

This dataset provides comprehensive experimental data on the physicochemical characterization of Bi₂O₃, BiOCl, and Bi₂O₃/BiOCl heterojunctions synthesized by the hydrothermal method.

Ruiz-Castillo, A. L., Hinojosa-Reyes, M., Camposeco-Solis, R., Ruiz, F.Photocatalytic Activity of Bi₂O₃/BiOCl Heterojunctions Under UV and Visible Light Illumination for Degradation of Caffeine.Topics in Catalysis, 2022.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-022-01644-z

The dataset includes physicochemical characterization of Bi₂O₃, BiOCl and Bi₂O₃/BiOCl heterojunctions. Only the hydrothermally synthesized samples discussed in the article are included: Bi₂O₃-H (hydrothermal), BiOCl, and Bi₂O₃/BiOCl heterojunction materials labeled Bi₂O₃-75-H, Bi₂O₃-50-H, Bi₂O₃-25-H and Bi₂O₃-10-H. The heterojunctions correspond to Bi₂O₃/BiOCl ratios of Bi₂O₃-75%/BiOCl-25%, Bi₂O₃-50%/BiOCl-50%, Bi₂O₃-25%/BiOCl-75% and Bi₂O₃-10%/BiOCl-90%, respectively.   

The data are organized in folders according to the technique: XRD, FTIR, Raman, UV–Vis DRS, BET and SEM. In some cases, both raw and processed files are included. Raw data correspond to direct exports from the instruments, while processed data were used for plotting and analysis.

XRD data include diffraction patterns (2θ vs intensity) used for phase identification of α-Bi₂O₃, β-Bi₂O₃ and BiOCl. Raman spectra were used to confirm vibrational modes and crystalline phases. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance data were treated using the Kubelka–Munk function and used to estimate band gap values through Tauc plots. BET measurements correspond to N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms used to determine surface area and pore structure. FTIR spectra were used to identify characteristic vibrational modes such as Bi–O, Bi–O–Bi, Bi–Cl and O–H groups.

SEM images are included as visual reference of the morphology of the materials and show the structural differences between Bi₂O₃ and Bi₂O₃/BiOCl heterojunctions.

The spectroscopic data (FTIR, Raman and UV–Vis) are provided without normalization or smoothing. In the published figures, some spectra were vertically shifted for clarity; the data included here correspond to the original unshifted measurements.

The decimal separator follows the original export format (comma). Users may convert it depending on the software used for analysis.

This dataset is intended for reuse in the analysis of structure–property relationships, photocatalytic materials design, adsorption processes, and comparative studies involving bismuth-based semiconductors. It enables reproducibility, validation, and further data-driven research in environmental and materials science applications.