3D Bi2O3-BiOI film was fabricated by a simply dipping method at room temperature.
BiOI nanosheets could successfully grow from Bi2O3 via I− etching and exchanging.
Photogenerated charges were more easily generated, separated and transferred.
Photocurrent density and kphenol increased by 8.4 and 3.8 times relative to Bi2O3.
Long-time photocurrent and cyclic runs both indicated good stability of Bi2O3-BiOI.