Huge redshift of absorption edge in a novel Z-type Bi2Sn2O7/α-Bi2O3 junction for highly efficiently visible light degradation of norfloxacin and bisphenol AF

Abstract

Heterojunction was mainly used to realize the separation of charge carrier in current studies, but it did not bring about any other effect. In this paper, Bi2Sn2O7 was introduced into α-Bi2O3 to construct a direct Z-type Bi2Sn2O7/α-Bi2O3 heterojunction. It not only accelerated the rapid separation of electrons and holes, but also induced a huge redshift of absorption edge to enlarge the visible light absorption range. Such result led into the optimal sample being able to degrade 95% of norfloxacin and 92% of bisphenol AF for 90 min of visible light irradiation. Under the same testing conditions, the removal efficiency of these two pollutants in the drinking water also attained 94% and 90% to demonstrate a good application. Moreover, the cycling test results indicated that the Bi2Sn2O7/α-Bi2O3 could be sustainably utilized. The electrons, holes, superoxide radical (•O2-) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) were the active substances in the process of degradation. The numbers of the Escherichia coli were 0.69×106 CFU/mL and 0.75×106 CFU/mL in the solutions after degradation to denote non-toxicity of the final products. Thus the Bi2Sn2O7/α-Bi2O3 composite could be applied in purification of various waste waters.