Novel Bi4O5Br2/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 magnetic composite with an enhanced photodegradation activity and excellent recyclability

Abstract

Bi4O5Br2/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 nanocomposites with impressive photocatalytic and recyclability properties were synthesised using a microemulsion method. In addition to the photocatalytic effect, the crystal structure and morphology, photoelectrochemical characteristics, magnetic effect and photocatalytic mechanism of Bi4O5Br2/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 were also investigated. As the best sample, the removal rate of the Bi4O5Br2/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 photocatalyst with 7.5 wt% MnxZn1-xFe2O4 to rhodamine B (RhB) reached up to 99.4% within 60 min. The enhanced photocatalyst activity was mainly attributed to the type-II heterojunction formed between Bi4O5Br2 and MnxZn1-xFe2O4, which not only optimised the energy band structure, but also led to the building of an interior electromagnetic field within the Bi4O5Br2/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 heterojunction. Meanwhile, the constantly producing and migrating h+ and ·O2− were the main active components. In particular, the results of the saturation magnetization tests and magnetic recovery experiments revealed that the magnetic composite photocatalyst can be recovered effectively. The results of the removal rate of RhB remaining at 85.2% after five uses reflected the advantages of the stability of the Bi4O5Br2/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 photocatalyst. In brief, this paper presented an original idea to develop a novel composite magnetic photocatalyst and research the enhancement mechanism of photocatalysis.