Abstract
Constructing heterojunction structures is a crucial approach for improving carrier separation efficiency and expanding the visible-light absorption range of photocatalysts. Herein, a series of Ag-bridged Z-scheme (AgI/NU-1000) heterojunction photocatalysts were successfully prepared using a simple in-situ precipitation method. The photodegradation efficiency of the AgI/NU-1000 samples was assessed by degrading sulfamethazine under visible-light conditions. The optimized AgI/NU-10000.35 (AN-2) photocatalyst exhibited exceptional photodegradation activity, achieving a degradation rate of 89.68 % within 40 min. The toxicity test results proved that the solution degraded by AN-2 exhibited no detrimental effects on biological growth, thereby demonstrating its potential practical application value. Electrochemical and photochemical tests demonstrated that the creation of a Z-scheme heterojunction was favorable for the separation of photogenerated carriers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to clarify the electron migration direction within the AgI/NU-1000 heterojunction. Possible degradation pathways and mediate products were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and DFT calculations. This work demonstrates the potential application of AgI/NU-1000 composite materials in environmental treatment.
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