Development of efficient and economic Bi2O3/BN/Co3O4 composite photocatalyst: Degradation mechanism, pathway and toxicity study of norfloxacin

作者：Ning Wang, Wei Wang, Dan Qi, Guodong Kang, Bo Wang, Houhu Zhang, Jiuli Ruan, Rongrong Lei, Zhenhua Zhang, Shenghu Zhang, Hao Zhou · 发表于：Chemosphere · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141481 · 被引用次数：26 · 研究领域：Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques、Copper-based nanomaterials and applications、Gas Sensing Nanomaterials and Sensors

The production of cheap, efficient, and stable photocatalysts for degrading antibiotic contaminants remains challenging. Herein, Bi 2 O 3 /boron nitride (BN)/Co 3 O 4 ternary composites were synthesized using the impregnation method. The morphological characteristics, structural features, and photochemical properties of the prepared photocatalysts were investigated via X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible (Vis) diffuse reflectance spectrum techniques. BN was used as a charge transfer bridge in the ternary composites, which afforded a heterojunction between the two semiconductors. The formation of the heterojunction substantially enhanced the charge separation and improved the photocatalyst performance. The degradation activity of the Bi 2 O 3 /BN/Co 3 O 4 ternary composites against norfloxacin (NOR) under Vis light irradiation was investigated. The degradation rate of NOR using 5-wt% Bi 2 O 3 /BN/Co 3 O 4 reached 98% in 180 min, indicating excellent photocatalytic performance. The ternary composites also exhibited high photostability with a degradation efficiency of 88.4% after five cycles. Hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide radicals (•O 2 − ), and holes (h + ) played a synergistic role in the photocatalytic reaction, where h + and •O 2 − were more important than •OH. Consequently, seven intermediates and major photo...