Integrated 2D Bi2O3/boron carbon nitride for improved photocatalytic water depollution

Abstract

This study delves into the untapped potential of BCN (boron carbon nitride) as a photocatalyst, highlighting its remarkable porosity and bandgap adjustability. In pursuit of enhancing BCN's photocatalytic capabilities, we introduce an innovative approach to incorporate Bi2O3 nanoparticles onto BCN's surface through a thermal condensation process. The assessment of photocatalytic activity involved the degradation of both non-dye and dye compounds (acetaminophen, malachite green, and reactive blue) under UV–visible light irradiation. Our findings reveal that the Bi2O3/BCN (BiBCN) composites exhibit significantly improved photocatalytic activity compared to individual BCN or Bi2O3. Notably, the 5%BiBCN photocatalyst excels, achieving removal rates of 80.88 % for ACE, 98.6 % for MG, and 97.7 % for RB within 120 min under UV–Vis light exposure. Characterization unveils that the composite photocatalysts enhance the separation of photogenerated carriers, primarily attributed to the formation of heterojunctions. Our proposed mechanism underscores the synergy of increased specific surface area and the heterojunction formed by the interaction between Bi2O3 and TCN in enhancing photocatalytic performance. Altogether, this study sheds light on the promising potential of BCN-based heterojunction photocatalysts for efficient water depollution.