Design of visible-light-response core-shell Fe2O3/CuBi2O4 heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of tetracycline: Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism insight

摘要

Antibiotics have been detected in various water bodies, which poses a huge threat to the global environment and human life. Making good use of renewable solar energy for the removal of antibiotics from aqueous environment is highly desired. A Z-scheme core-shell Fe2O3/CuBi2O4 heterostructure was synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. The morphology and structure of Fe2O3/CuBi2O4 were investigated by a series of characterization techniques. The prepared Fe2O3/CuBi2O4 composites exhibited higher photocatalytic performance for the degradation of tetracycline than pure Fe2O3 and CuBi2O4. Meanwhile, 30 wt% Fe2O3/CuBi2O4 composite demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of tetracycline (nearly 80% in 120 min) as well as outstanding stability after three cyclic reactions (6 h). This enhanced photocatalytic performance is mainly attributed to the construction of a direct Z-scheme core-shell heterostructure between Fe2O3 and CuBi2O4 in the composite, which promotes the efficient separation of charge carriers, depresses the recombination of photogenerated charges and possesses strong reduction capabilities. In general, this study may provide a strategy to design highly efficient photocatalysts with core-shell heterostructure for environment restoration.