Synthesis of Dual Z-Scheme CuBi2O4/Bi2Sn2O7/Sn3O4 Photocatalysts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance for the Degradation of Tetracycline under Visible Light Irradiation

Abstract

The dual Z-scheme heterojunction CuBi2O4/Bi2Sn2O7/Sn3O4(CBS) was successfully constructed through in situ growth methods, and its photocatalytic performance was evaluated via degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light. Out of all samples, CBS-2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, with an apparent rate constant of 2.34, 20.16, and 44.17 times that of Bi2Sn2O7, CuBi2O4, and Sn3O4, respectively. Even after four cycles, the photocatalytic efficiency remained above 85%. The improvement can be attributed to the construction of the Z-scheme heterojunction, which effectively promotes the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers. The possible photocatalytic degradation mechanism of dual Z-scheme heterojunction CBS was deduced based on the theory of free radical capture and energy band.

Bismuth-Based Z-Scheme Heterojunction Photocatalysts for Remediation of Contaminated Water

“…Antibiotics are chemicals that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria and for livestock production. Particularly, wastewater from hospitals and pharmaceutical companies ares the primary sources of antibiotics. , Hence, their accumulation in the environment hurts ecosystems. The elimination of antibiotics from the environment using different techniques such as biodegradation, membrane separation, coagulation, and absorption has been re- ported.…”

“…These changes directly influence the materials’ optical absorption, charge carrier dynamics, surface reactivity, and catalytic performance. The most common methods used to synthesize BBSc photocatalysts include solvothermal/hydrothermal methods, , coprecipitation methods, sol–gel method, , solid-state thermolysis, stepwise deposition techniques, in situ growth, and photoreduction techniques. This work aims to review the recent studies on BBZSH photocatalysts for treating contaminated water.…”

Special Issue on “Advanced Catalytic Material for Water Treatment”

“…Six of them focus on photocatalytic materials and processes. Xu et al studied the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under visible light irradiation with dual Z-scheme CuBi 2 O 4 /Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 /Sn 3 O 4 photocatalysts, and found that the construction of the Z-scheme heterojunction could effectively promote the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers [1]. Peng et al prepared a Mn-Co-MCM-41 molecular sieve using a thermo-sensitive template, and showed good catalytic performance on the degradation of RhB [2].…”