Electrodeposition of nanostructured Bi2MoO6@Bi2MoO6–x homojunction films for the enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics

Abstract

Complex tunable visible-light-driven Aurivillius-phase-based micro- and nanostructured photocatalysts were fabricated following a novel, scalable, easily implemented sequential process based on electrochemical deposition and thermal treatment. Regarding its novelty, electrochemistry was the primary tool for synthesis, one that constitutes a viable alternative to other complex chemical and physical processes. The parameters of electrodeposition and thermal conditions promoted different nanostructured Bi2MoO6 and Bi2MoO6@Bi2MoO6–x films. The nanostructured homojunction Bi2MoO6@Bi2MoO6–x films obtained after 3 h of calcination showing micro- and nanowire morphology emerged as the most effective photocatalyst for degrading and mineralizing the mono- and multiantibiotic solutions (i.e., tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and/or levofloxacin), which achieved near-total degradation and exceptionally high mineralization values (>95%) after 180 min of radiation. The materials’ proven reusability, low photocorrosion activity, and excellent photocatalytic performance in mineralizing antibiotics can support the implementation of Bi2MoO6@Bi2MoO6–x homojunctions as efficient visible-light photocatalysts under solar radiation.