Graphitic carbon nitride loaded Bi\(_{4}\)O\(_{5}\)I\(_{2}\) for elevated photocatalytic tetracycline degradation

Subhasish  MISHRA; Barsha  MARANDI; Kali  SANJAY; Rashmi ACHARYA

doi:10.55713/jmmm.v35i2.2261

Authors

Subhasish MISHRA Department of Chemistry, I.T.E.R., Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India
Barsha MARANDI Hydro & Electrometallurgy Division, CSIR-Institute of Mineral and Materials Technology(IMMT), Bhubaneswar 751013, Odisha, India
Kali SANJAY Hydro & Electrometallurgy Division, CSIR-Institute of Mineral and Materials Technology(IMMT), Bhubaneswar 751013, Odisha, India
Rashmi ACHARYA Department of Chemistry, I.T.E.R., Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55713/jmmm.v35i2.2261

Keywords:

Keywords: g-C3N4, Bi4O5I2, heterojunction, Z-scheme, tetracycline, Photocatalysis

Abstract

As a robust photocatalyst, Bi₄O₅I₂have has attracted significant scientific interest owing to its narrow bandgap energy, escalated electronic properties and high stability. Nonetheless, the unfavourable band structure and higher recombination of excitons have restricted its diversified photocatalytic applications. In this context, binary heterojunction construction using Bi₄O₅I₂ could be considered an effective strategy for spatial charge carrier separation across the hetero-interface, leading to an enhanced activity. In this study, we have prepared Bi₄O₅I₂/g-C₃N₄ Z-scheme hetero-structures via a wet impregnation strategy that preserves the spherical structure of Bi₄O₅I₂. The phase purity, chemical bonding, morphology and microstructure of the composite were confirmed using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM and HRTEM studies. The formation of robust 3D-2D contact junction triggers the charge separation and migration at the hetero-interface. Furthermore, the Z-scheme charge transfer dynamics helps to retain the redox ability of the excitons. As a result, The Bi₄O₅I₂/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction composite exhibited 84.6% of tetracycline degradation within 60 min that is 1.8 and 2.7 folds higher than pristine Bi₄O₅I₂ and g-C₃N₄, respectively. The findings of this study have major implications for building highly effective heterojunctions for upgraded photocatalytic applications.

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