Preparation of Cd-doped Bi2MoO6 photocatalyst for efficient degradation of ofloxacin under the irradiation of visible light

Abstract

Cd-doped Bi2MoO6 photocatalyst was firstly designed and applied to remove ofloxacin with visible-light irradiation. Results revealed that Cd doped on Bi2MoO6 could induce much higher photocatalytic performance for ofloxacin degradation. Furthermore, the doping level showed a significant influence on the prepared samples’ photocatalytic activity. 1% Cd-doped Bi2MoO6 had the best activity compared with as-prepared pure/Cd-doped Bi2MoO6. Its rate constant for ofloxacin degradation raised 2 and 38 times compared with pure Bi2MoO6 and CdMoO4, respectively. The results of scavenging measurements showed that holes and •O2− are both the major oxidative groups. Furthermore, the effect of typical water matrix factors (e.g., pH and humic acid (HA)) on photodegradation efficiency were evaluated. Our study might provide an insight on strategies for developing highly efficient photocatalytic systems to purify numerous pollutions in natural water bodies.