Fabrication of Bi-Bi3O4Cl plasmon photocatalysts for removal of aqueous emerging contaminants under visible light

Abstract

Photocatalytic oxidation of emerging contaminants (ECs) in water has recently gained extensive attentions. In this study, bismuth oxychloride-based plasmon photocatalysts (Bi-Bi3O4Cl) exhibiting high performance were successfully developed by reducing Bi3+ on the surface of Bi3O4Cl. Consequently, the photocatalysts were used to remove ECs from water. The effects of developmental process and Bi metal plasmon resonance on the photoelectric performances of Bi-Bi3O4Cl were investigated through a series of characterizations. The UV-vis diffuse reflection and photoluminescence spectra revealed that the light absorption range of the photocatalyst gradually increased and the electron recombination rate gradually decreased with the introduction of Bi metals. The optimal removal rates of ciprofloxacin and tetrabromobisphenol A by Bi-Bi3O4Cl were 93.8% and 96.4%; the respective reaction rate constants were 5.48 and 4.93 times higher than that of Bi3O4Cl. The mechanism study indicated that main reactants in the photocatalytic system were •O2− radicals and photogenerated holes, and the existence of oxygen vacancies and Bi metals promoted electron transfer in photocatalyst. In conclusion, this research produces a novel, green, highly efficient, and stable visible light photocatalyst for the removal of ECs from water.