Heterojunction Composites Research Articles

Photocatalytic degradation of cefixime in aqueous solutions using functionalized SWCNT/ZnO/Fe3O4 under UV-A irradiation

In this study, SWCNT/ZnO/Fe3O4 heterojunction composite was prepared for enhancing the degradation of β-lactam drugs such as cefixime (CFX) from an aqueous solution. The effects of several factors such as pH, initial concentration of CFX, and photocatalyst dose were investigated. Among them, pH was the most effective parameter for the degradation of CFX. Pareto graph revealed that the degradation process was accelerated at acidic conditions. The surface morphology test such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to enlighten the surface of the functionalized SWCNT/ZnO/Fe3O4 photocatalyst. Highly advanced analyzes such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDX), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and point of zero charge were included to explain the structure of the photocatalyst. The response surface methodology's results show that the optimum CFX efficiency was fully achieved at 94.19%. The optimal conditions with lower standard error (2.08) were given as pH of 5.93, 22.76 ppm of CFX, and 0.46 g L−1 of the amount of photocatalyst. Besides, the obtained photocatalyst can be easily used many times owing to its high reusability. SWCNT/ZnO/Fe3O4 photocatalyst might be recommended to be used for the mineralizing of drug compounds such as antibiotics in water. Moreover, thiazol-2-ol, N-(dihydroxymethyl)-2-(2-hydroxythiazol-4-yl)acetamide,(S)-N-(2-amino-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)-2-(2 hydroxythiazol-4-yl), and 2-(2-hydroxythiazol-4-yl)-N-((2R,3R)-2-mercapto-4-oxoazetidin-3-yl)acetamide were among the detected intermediates products from the cefixime degradation in the process.

Synthesis and characterization of P-doped g-C3N4 nanosheet hybridized ZnS nanospheres with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Phosphorus-doped g-C3N4/ZnS (PCN/ZnS) composite photocatalyst was prepared by element doping and structuring heterojunction by solvothermal methods. The heterojunction composite was characterized by XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS and UV–vis DRS. The photocatalytic properties of PCN, ZnS and PCN/ZnS were studied by photodegradation of tetracycline (TC) with visible light irradiation. The 15%PCN/ZnS showed the highest photocatalytic degradation performance of TC with the reaction rate constant of 0.0529 min−1, which was 40.7 times of ZnS and 6.3 times of PCN. Superoxide radicals and holes played a major role in the photocatalytic degradation process, but not hydroxyl radicals. Besides, according to the conduction and entrainment positions of PCN and ZnS, they form a type II heterojunction structure, which could extend the range of light response, enhance the charges transfer and efficient separation. In general, the design and synthesis of PCN/ZnS provide a new way to photodegrade pharmaceutical wastewater with enhanced photocatalytic properties.

Design and synthesis of a new high-efficiency CeO2/SnS2/polyaniline ternary composite visible-light photocatalyst

Fabrication of heterojunction composites is an effective means for raising the photocatalytic efficiency of semiconductors. Based on the previous reports that any two substances among CeO2, SnS2 and polyaniline (PANI) can constitute heterojunction, this work employed both CeO2 and PANI to couple SnS2 with the objective of synthesizing a new high-efficiency CeO2/SnS2/PANI ternary composite visible-light photocatalyst. CeO2/SnS2/PANI ternary nanocomposite was prepared via an easy to implement three-step method. For the visible-light-induced catalytic reduction of aqueous Cr(VI), our synthesized CeO2/SnS2/PANI showed higher photocatalytic activity than ternary mechanical mixture, CeO2/SnS2, SnS2, CeO2, and the previously reported CPVC/SnS2/TiO2, SnO2/SnS2/CPVC and SnS2/Au visible-light photocatalysts. The boosted photocatalytic activity of CeO2/SnS2/PANI was attributed to its enhanced transfer and separation of photogenerated charge carriers, which was resulted from the heterojunction formation between any two components. This work is helpful for the design and synthesis of new high-efficiency ternary composite visible-light photocatalysts.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity in hydro-thermally grown nano structured ZnO/SnS core–shell composites

Abstract Detoxification of water bodies from industrial pollutant dyes by semiconductor heterojunction composites briefed. Synthesis of ZnO/SnS core/shell nanocomposites by ecofriendly hydrothermal method presented. Characterization by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy photoluminescence (PL) etc., were presented. Abundance of orthorhombic ZnO and hexagonal SnS was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Compression of hexagonal ZnO planes (as core nanorods) and SnS core nanoparticles infers growth of core shell structure. Average crystallite size is found to be 5.8 nm. Structure and TEM morphology correlated. XPS reveals abundance of elemental oxidation state. Photocatalytic activity was studied by using visible light irradiation. Photoluminescence for ZnO/SnS core/shell nanocomposites inferred significant emission peaks. Enhanced PCA observed against visible light. Methylene blue dye characteristic PCAby its degradation evinced. PCA is found optimal for Z-S3. Configuration of bandgap promoted growth of novel hetero junction. Physical mechanism is proposed for the enhanced photocatalytic activity as accompanied by degradation of MB dye.

Ag-doped Bi2WO6/BiOI heterojunction used as photocatalyst for the enhanced degradation of tetracycline under visible-light and biodegradability improvement

A new Bi2WO6/BiOI/Ag heterojunction composite was fabricated by the deposition of Ag nanoparticles on Bi2WO6/BiOI via two-step hydrothermal process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) analyses. The photoelectric properties of the as-prepared composites were investigated by UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS), transient photocurrent response, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and photoluminescence spectrum (PLS). It was found that the amount of Ag in Bi2WO6/BiOI/Ag exhibited an evident influence on photoelectric properties and photocatalytic activity. Compared with the other as-prepared photocatalysts, Bi2WO6/BiOI/Ag-8 presented the highest photocatalytic activity for tetracycline degradation ascribed to the heterojunction structure and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) action, which evidently enhanced the visible-light absorbance, and promoted the separation/transfer of photo-generated electron/hole (e–/h+) pairs. The organic intermediates formed during tetracycline photocatalytic degradation were identified and the degradation pathway was proposed. For the recommended photocatalyst, the hydroxyl radical (∙OH) and superoxide anion radical (∙O2–) produced by the Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism with Ag as co-catalyst were responsible for the degradation. In addition, the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline evidently reduced the solution toxicity and enhanced the biodegradability.

Quantitative Analysis of Charge Dissociation by Selectively Characterizing Exciton Splitting Efficiencies in Single Component Materials

AbstractExciton dissociation between donor and acceptor is the decisive process to determine the photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). The rather fast dynamics of photo‐induced charge generation in well‐optimized bulk heterojunction (BHJ) composites complicate the quantitative analysis of the charge generation efficiency for donor and acceptor units. Herein, we report time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) investigations and demonstrate their potential as a quantitative and contactless characterization technique allowing to separately determine the exciton splitting efficiency of donor and acceptor moieties in selected single component materials. We demonstrate that the exciton splitting efficiency for donor or acceptor moieties can be separately adjusted in these materials by post‐treatment, while the corresponding BHJ composites undergo excessive phase separation upon external stress. By relating the separate exciton splitting efficiencies to their photovoltaic performance, the limiting factor in corresponding OSCs, either charge generation or recombination, is identified.

Two-Dimensional Heterojunction Electrocatalyst: Au-Bi2Te3 Nanosheets for Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis.

The design of Au-based materials with good dispersion and more active sites is critical to enhance the catalytic performance of electrochemical ammonia production. Herein, two-dimensional (2D) heterojunction Au-Bi2Te3 nanosheets (Au-Bi2Te3 NSs) are prepared by Au nanoparticles growing on Bi2Te3 nanosheets. Benefiting from the good dispersion of Au nanoparticles and the synergistic effect of the heterojunction composite, Au-Bi2Te3 NSs demonstrate excellent behavior for an ambient nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). In a 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte (N2-saturated), Au-Bi2Te3 NSs display a high NH3 yield rate of 32.73 μg h-1 mgcat.-1 and a faradic efficiency of 20.39% at -0.4 V. The proposed synthetic method provides a feasible strategy for designing high-performance heterojunction electrocatalysts for electrochemical ammonia synthesis.

A General Strategy toward Metal Sulfide Nanoparticles Confined in a Sulfur-Doped Ti3 C2 Tx MXene 3D Porous Aerogel for Efficient Ambient N2 Electroreduction.

Three-dimensional (3D) porous MXene-based aerogel architectures have attracted great interest for many applications, despite limits in renewable energy conversion owing to the lack of multifunctionality in their components. Herein, a simple and general strategy for constructing a novel functional 3D MXene-based composite heterojunction aerogel (MS@S-MAs) is presented via divalent metal-ion assembly and subsequent thermal sulfidation, and its application in electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is studied. The as-prepared MS@S-MAs comprises metal sulfide nanoparticles uniformly confined in 3D interconnected conductive S-doped MXene sheets with intimate interfacial interaction. Benefiting from the unique properties and an interfacial interaction, MS@S-MAs exhibit significantly improved NRR catalytic performance and excellent stability because of the higher exposure of electrochemically active sites coupled with easier accessibility, faster mass diffusion, and quicker carrier transport at the interface. Remarkably, CoS@S-MAs show an NH3 yield rate and a Faradaic efficiency of 12.4 µg h-1 mg-1 cat and 27.05% at the lower potential of -0.15V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 m Na2 SO4 solution under ambient conditions, which rivals or exceeds most of the previously reported MXene-based and Co-based catalysts. This work will open avenues to construct 3D MXene-based materials with rich functionalities for energy storage and conversion, catalysis, and other applications.

Fabrication of Ag/ZnO hollow nanospheres and cubic TiO2/ZnO heterojunction photocatalysts for RhB degradation

Abstract ZnO nanomaterials with the stereochemical structure were becoming a research focus in the scope of photocatalytic materials, but the ZnO was sensitive to UV light rather than the solar light source, which considerably prohibited its extended application. ZnO nanomaterials coupled with other nanomaterials could generate the alternative composite heterojunction nanomaterials to promote the photocatalytic activity. Herein, we reported two facile and feasible synthesis methods to fabricate TiO2/ZnO cube nanocomposites and Ag/ZnO hollow spheres by hydrothermal reaction and chemical deposition, respectively. In this regard, these composited nanomaterials have been successfully fabricated with high purities, good morphology, and crystal structure. Noticeably, in contrast with TiO2/ZnO and Ag/ZnO bulk nanocomposites, the Ag/ZnO hollow spheres could offer the higher activity for RhB degradation under the visible light. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance of Ag/ZnO for RhB degradation could be improved synergistically, and the effect of RhB degradation was highest when the Ag mass ratio was modulated at 10% in the sample. Furthermore, it remained a high photocatalytic efficiency even after four cycles. This protocol provided an approvable approach to fabricate efficient photocatalysts with persistent photostability in the wastewater treatment process.

Constructing 2D/2D N-ZnO/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction: Efficient photocatalytic performance for norfloxacin degradation

The low separation efficiency of carriers limited the application of g-C3N4 (CN) in the photodegradation of fluoroquinolones antibiotics, and the construction of two-dimensional/two-dimensional (2D/2D) heterojunction was an effective strategy. In this paper, 2D/2D N-ZnO/CN S-scheme heterojunction composites (x NZCN, x was the mass ratio of ZIF-L/CN) were prepared by calcining ZIF-L/CN composites which were formed via ultrasonic-assisted electrostatic self-assembly method. The photodegradation efficiencies of Norfloxacin (NOR), enrofloxacin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin reached more than 90% in 90 min by 15% NZCN/vis system. Moreover, the rate constant of 15% NZCN for photodegrading NOR was 4.15 times and 4.65 times higher than CN and N-ZnO, respectively. The efficient photocatalytic performance of 15% NZCN was attributed to the excellent light capture capacity and the effective migration and separation of carriers. The active species that worked in the photodegradation of NOR were dominated by holes and superoxide radicals. In addition, degradation pathways of NOR were proposed. This work enriched 2D/2D heterojunction engineering for CN, and provided a new possibility for combining 2D MOFs-derivatives with CN to solve the antibiotic pollution problem in the environment.

Preparation of ZnO/Bi2O3 Composites as Heterogeneous Thin Film Materials with High Photoelectric Performance on FTO Base

In recent years, ZnO nanomaterials have achieved great performance in solar energy applications. How to synthesize a ZnO nanocomposite structure with high photoelectric conversion efficiency has become an urgent problem to solved. In this paper, a narrow band gap bismuth trioxide (Bi2O3) coated on a ZnO nanoarray by magnetron sputtering was used to prepare a composite heterojunction ZnO/Bi2O3. Studies have found that ZnO/Bi2O3 exhibits excellent photoelectric conversion performance. By preparing a composite heterostructure of ZnO/Bi2O3, it can effectively compensate for the insufficient absorption of ZnO in the visible light range and inhibit the recombination of carriers within the material. The influence of Bi2O3 thickness on the microstructure and electronic structure of the ZnO/Bi2O3 composite structure was explored and analyzed. The energy gap width of the composite heterostructure decreases with the increase in the Bi2O3 thickness on the surface of the ZnO nanorod array. At the same time, the conductive glass composite film structure is simple to prepare and is very environmentally friendly. The ZnO/Bi2O3 composite heterogeneous material prepared this time is suitable for solar cells, photodetectors, photocatalysis and other fields.

Preparation of an Excellent Z‐type SrWO4@Bi2WO6 Heterojunction Photocatalyst and Its Photocatalytic Performance under Simulated Sunlight

AbstractIn this work, a simple chemical co‐precipitation method was employed to prepare a series of excellent Z‐type SrWO4@Bi2WO6 (SWO@BWO) heterojunction composites, in which SrWO4 was successfully assembled on Bi2WO6 nanosheets. The outstanding separation efficiency of photo‐generated carriers (e−/h+) originated from synergetic effect of semiconductor heterojunctions under simulated sunlight effectively improved photocatalytic activity, resulting in a more prominent performance for organic dyestuff degradation compared with its counterparts. Based on the photocatalytic degradation of Methylene blue (MB) experiment, coming to a conclusion is that 10wt %SWO@BWO composite (η=92.9 % for 50 min) has the prominent photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic performance of 10wt %SWO@BWO composite is 6.36 and 2.6 times as high as that of bare SWO and BWO, respectively. This composite also has better degradation performance for Tetracycline Hydrochloride (TC) and Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). According to the active species capture experiment, .OH are dominant in the degradation process of MB, and role of h+ and .O2− is also indispensable. Our research provides a simple approach for establishing Z‐scheme heterojunction photocatalysts with great photocatalytic performance.

Improved photocatalytic activity of BaTiO3/La2Ti2O7 heterojunction composites via piezoelectric-enhanced charge transfer

The separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers in photocatalysis is one of the key factors limiting the overall performance. The polarization field modification of piezoelectric materials is considered to be an effective strategy to regulate their photocatalytic performance. In this study, novel heterojunction photocatalysts that combine piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanorods and La2Ti2O7 nanosheets were synthesized and the polarization electric field promoted the bulk charge separation, while regulating the migration and separation of the carriers at the heterojunction interface. Under the combined action of visible light and ultrasonic, the piezo-photocatalytic degradation efficiency of CIP over BaTiO3/La2Ti2O7 composites increased by 24% and 12.5% compared with its photocatalytic and piezocatalytic degradation efficiency, respectively. Furthermore, the finite element simulation shows that BaTiO3/La2Ti2O7 heterojunctions have a stronger piezoelectric potential difference compared to pure BaTiO3. Our findings provide insights into the development of piezo-photocatalysts that can effectively degrade pollutants under visible light.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of glyphosate over a combination strategy of GQDs/TNAs heterojunction composites

A photocatalytic process was used to effectively remove glyphosate, an emerging pollutant and contaminant, through advanced oxidation. For this purpose, a feasible combination strategy of two-step anodisation and electrodeposition methods were proposed to fabricate graphene quantum dots (GQDs) supported titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (TNAs). The resultant GQDs/TNAs heterojunction composite exhibited significant degradation reactivity and circulation stability for glyphosate due to its excellent photo-generated electron and hole separation ability. After the introduction of GQDs into TNAs, the photodegradation efficiency of glyphosate increased from 69.5% to 94.7% within 60 min under UV–Vis light irradiation (λ = 320–780 nm). By analysing the intermediate products and through the evolvement of heteroatoms during glyphosate photodegradation, alanine and serine were discovered for the first time, and a detailed degradation mechanism of glyphosate was proposed. This study indicates that GQDs/TNAs heterojunction composite can almost completely degrade the glyphosate into inorganics under the appropriate conditions.

Highly sensitive and selective sub ppb level acetone sensing platform based on Co3O4–ZnO heterojunction composites

In this work, a three-dimensional fusiform-like Co3O4–ZnO material with different Co3O4 concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 at% Co3O4) was successfully synthesized via a simple coprecipitation method. A variety of microscopic characterizations (SEM, XRD, XPS, EDS, HRTEM) were used to observe the microstructure and crystallization of the as-prepared samples. The gas sensing results showed that Co3O4 greatly improved the acetone gas sensing properties of ZnO based gas sensors. And compared with pure ZnO, 0.5 at% Co3O4–ZnO sensing material exhibited the highest response to acetone at an operating temperature of 290 °C; the sensitivity was about 113–100 ppm acetone, with a fast response and recovery time. Also, the sensor based on 0.5 at% Co3O4-ZnO had a low detection limit of 0.5 ppm (response=1.954). The corresponding gas sensing mechanism was discussed in detail.

Cu2O-loaded TiO2 heterojunction composites for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production

The Cu2O/TiO2 heterogeneous materials were fabricated via simple hydrothermal and physical mixing processes to investigate the photocatalytic H2 production performance. The morphology evolution of Cu2O was systematically explored by adjusting the amount of chemical reagents. The CT-70 (the additive amount of TiO2 was 70 wt%) exhibited superior photocatalytic activity with H2 production of 8.33 mmol g−1 in 6 h, which was about 416 and 49-fold more elevated those of Cu2O and TiO2. The enhancement of H2 generation was ascribed to the proper band gap structure and the heterojunction between Cu2O and TiO2. This work provides a strategy for the simple preparation of composite materials with high photocatalytic activity.

Solar-light-driven photocatalysis by Sb2S3/carbon based composites towards degradation of noxious organic pollutants

Heterojunction photocatalysts are quite appealing for the effective removal of pollutants. Herein, we compare the photocatalytic dye degradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB) using pristine Sb2S3 nanoparticles (Sb2S3-NPs), Sb2S3-NPs anchored onto reduced graphene oxide (Sb2S3/rGO), and Sb2S3-NPs coated with porous carbon spheres (Sb2S3@PCS) as heterojunction photocatalysts. The successful fabrication of Sb2S3/C based heterogeneous photocatalysts was confirmed by XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. The morphological studies revealed the formation of ~150–500 nm Sb2S3 nanoparticles wrapped with rGO sheets or encapsulated within ~65 nm thick porous carbon spheres. BET surface area analyses disclose that incorporating rGO and PCS improves the sp. surface area and favorable surface properties for effective RhB degradation. The UV–Vis DRS and PL showed that the heterojunction composites had narrow bandgap (~1.6–1.8 eV) and a suppressed recombination rate of photo-generated charge carriers exhibiting excellent photocatalytic activity compared to Sb2S3-NPs. Sb2S3/rGO and Sb2S3@PCS demonstrated RhB degradation-efficiency of ~89% (rate constant~ 0.013 min−1) and 77.65% (0.0091 min−1) after 150 min sunlight irradiation. The effects of catalyst concentration and pH (correlated with pHpzc) on the photodegradation were also examined. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of heterojunction photocatalysts could be ascribed to e−-excitation from the valence to conduction band, and facile electron mediator of π-conjugated porous carbon for Sb2S3/rGO and Sb2S3@PCS, respectively. The efficient photodegradation of colorless thiamethoxam pollutant confirmed indirect photocatalysis. The Sb2S3/rGO composite exhibited ~64% efficiency (rate constant~0.0056 min−1) whereas the Sb2S3@PCS maintained ~62% efficiency (rate constant~0.0064 min−1). Overall, the present study shows that Sb2S3/C-based heterogeneous photocatalysts are promising for wastewater treatment.

Efficient photoreduction strategy for uranium immobilization based on graphite carbon nitride/perovskite oxide heterojunction nanocomposites

The photoreduction conversion of soluble U(VI) to insoluble U(IV) is an economical strategy for the efficient removal of uranium from radioactive wastewater. A graphite carbon nitride and perovskite oxide heterojunction composite (g-C3N4/LaFeO3) is designed for the photocatalytic reduction of U(VI) under simulated sunlight conditions from aqueous solution, the reduction-immobilization mechanism is interpreted with the aid of spectroscopic evidence. The proposed heterojunction structure exhibits efficient removal ability (460 mg/g) over a wide range of U(VI) concentrations due to the suppressed recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and the prolonged lifetimes of the photogenerated carriers. The catalytic efficiency is maintained at a high level after five cycles of reuse. The electrons on LaFeO3 transferred to valence band of g-C3N4, U(VI) is reduced by the electrons and ·O2− on the surface of g-C3N4. The g-C3N4/LaFeO3 heterojunction provides a promising strategy for the feasible recovery of U(VI) resources with inexhaustible solar energy.

Metal-organic frameworks derived ZnO-Co3O4 pn heterojunction photocatalyst for the photoelectrochemical detection of sulfadiazine

Semiconductors with abundant surface areas have received substantial attention in the field of sensors, especially for the specific and sensitive detection of molecules. Eco-friendly synthesis of metal oxides pn junction composite with high specific surface area and its photoelectrochemical monitoring on antibiotics have been reported. The ZnO-Co3O4 pn heterojunction composite has successfully been prepared from a metal-organic framework (MOF) as a template, using benzene tricarboxylic acid (BTC) with a one-step calcination process. In research, obtained nanorods like ZnO-Co3O4 pn heterojunction exhibited high conductivity with excellent stability for the facilitated photocatalytic performance towards the photoelectrochemical detection of sulfadiazine (SDZ). Photo-stability and the optical characteristics of the ZnO-Co3O4 heterojunction composite have been analyzed in photocurrent and UV–visible studies. A mechanism of SDZ signaling has been proposed with appropriate band levels derived by Mott-Schottky analysis. The proposed sensor detects SDZ in the range of 0.005–18.5 µM with 1.2 nM as detection limit and exhibits better signaling stability. The applicability of the sensor device has been tested in pork meat, human urine, and river water samples containing SDZ.

A facile synthesis of Ag3PO4/BiPO4 p-n heterostructured composite as a highly efficient photocatalyst for fluoroquinolones degradation

Ag3PO4/BiPO4 heterojunction photocatalysts with an intergrowth structure composed of sphere-shaped Ag3PO4 and nanorod BiPO4 were synthesized via a facile combination of solvothermal method and in-situ deposition process. They exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activities under sunlight irradiation, and the heterojunction composite with the 10 wt% loading amounts of Ag3PO4 presented the highest photocatalytic activities against norfloxacin (NFX), ofloxacin (OFXL) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), with high degradation efficiencies of 94.7%, 95.4% and 92.1%, respectively. Additionally, the Ag3PO4/BiPO4 photocatalyst demonstrates outstanding structural and photocatalytic stability. The superior performance was attributed to the effective charge transfer across the p-n heterojunction interface and the enhancement of light absorption. This work provides a new insight into the development of novel BiPO4-based heterojunction composites and meets the remediation for contaminated aqueous environment.