Abstract
The Z-scheme BiVO4/α-Fe2O3 photocatalyst was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The photocatalyst is composed of α-Fe2O3 nanocubes with a regular cubic structure and the BiVO4 particles distributed on the surface of the α-Fe2O3 nanocubes. The photocatalytic performance of Z-scheme BiVO4/α-Fe2O3 photocatalyst was investigated in terms of its capacity for photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. Improved photocatalytic activity was observed for Z-scheme BiVO4/α-Fe2O3 photocatalyst compared with pure BiVO4 and α-Fe2O3 nanocubes under visible light irradiation. Studies of its morphology, physicochemical properties and photoelectrochemical behaviors demonstrated that BiVO4 loading on the surface of α-Fe2O3 nanocubes forms a Z-scheme heterojunction, which increases the specific surface area and significantly promotes the separation of photoinduced carriers. The main active species were determined to be [rad]OH and h+ by ESR technique and trapping experiments. We propose a possible photocatalytic mechanism of Z-scheme BiVO4/α-Fe2O3 photocatalyst system. This study may also provide a novel and eco-friendly demonstration of a useful strategy for the design and preparation of special structure photocatalytic materials.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 514-522 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Colloid and Interface Science |
Volume | 581 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2021 |
Keywords
- BiVO/α-FeO
- Nanocubes
- Photocatalytic degradation
- Tetracycline hydrochloride
- Z-scheme heterojunction