Emerging CeO2/Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl ternary-hetero-assembly nanophotocatalyst for superior sunlight-irradiated photo-elimination of quinolone antibiotics: Microwave combustion-assisted sono-induced-hydrothermal synthesis

Abstract

This study aimed to introduce emerging CeO2/Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl ternary-hetero-assembly nanophotocatalysts through the fabrication process of microwave combustion-assisted sono-induced-hydrothermal (MCSH). Various characterization techniques were conducted to determine the properties of the resulting nanophotocatalysts synthesized at different weighted ratios. The CeO2/Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl-MCSH nanophotocatalyst which weighted ratio of CeO2 to Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl is 3:1 showed a broad absorption range in the sunlight region and demonstrated tremendous performance in the removal of emerging contaminants such as norfloxacin (NOR) (87.6%), levofloxacin (70.2%), ofloxacin (66.2%) and ciprofloxacin-HCl (57.9%) after 180 min irradiation. In contrast, the CeO2/Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl (3:1)-MCH sample, without ultrasound irradiation nanophotocatalyst, showed lower photocatalytic destruction such as norfloxacin 77.3%. As a result, it can be said that the presence of ultrasonic energy has led to particle size reduction and increased dispersion, resulting in a decrease in peak intensity based on XRD analysis. The DRS analysis showed that the optimal nanocomposite exhibited two distinct absorption edges at 415.6 and 487.8 nm, indicating that the desired composite had indeed been formed as well as the TEM signifies a consistent and evenly dispersed distribution of CeO2 particles and Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl plates of nanomaterial's prepared with ultrasound energy. The BET-BJH of surface characteristics and pore distribution indicates that the pores' dimensions in the CeO2-MC, CeO2/Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl (3:1)-MCH, CeO2/Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl (3:1)-MCSH, and Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl -MC samples span meso to macro. The average pore sizes for these nano-sized photocatalysts are approximately 21.4, 23.8, 22.1, and 5.4 nm, correspondingly. The remarkable efficiency and reusable nature of the CeO2/Bi24O31Cl10/Bi3O4Cl (3:1)-MCSH nanophotocatalyst could be assigned to its well-balanced phases and the use of the sonication during its preparation.