Photocatalytic Degradation Of Tetracycline Hydrochloride Research Articles

Effect of calcination temperature on the presence pattern of calcium ions in slag-based geopolymer microspheres and visible light photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

Tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) is currently treated mostly with photocatalysts that the preparation process is complicated and costly, limiting its large-scale application. In this study, slag-based geopolymer microspheres (SGMs) photocatalysts were prepared from low-cost slag as raw material using geopolymer technology, and excellent visible-light degradation properties for TC could be obtained by simple calcination. When the water addition was 4 g, the stirring speed was 1000 rpm and the calcination temperature was 800 °C for 3 h, the initial pH was 4.72 and the photocatalyst dosage was 0.4 g/L, SGMs showed excellent photocatalytic performance for TC with 94.76 % degradation in visible-light. Compared with the traditional powder materials, SGMs can achieve rapid separation with excellent settling performance (it can be completely settled within 1 min). With degradation rate remaining over 90 % after five cycles, it showed excellent cyclic stability. The degradation mechanism of SGMs on TC was as follows: firstly, TC adsorption takes place on the SGMs surface during the dark reaction stage; secondly, with Ca2+ in the SGMs enter the solution, it complexed with the TC, making it positively charged and accelerating the generation of free radicals, adsorption and degradation occurred simultaneously, with the order of active free radical action on TC degradation being ·O2- >·OH > h+. The SGMs prepared in this project has the benefits of being inexpensive, easy to operate, environmental protection, excellent visible-light photocatalyst performance, and potential industrial application prospects.

Biochar coupling induced charge transfer switching of a NiAl2O4/NiCr2O4 photocatalyst to enhance photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

A series of novel (NiAl2O4 (NAO)/NiCr2O4 (NCO)) (S1)/GL heterojunction photocatalysts, denoting as x%GL/S1 (x = 5, 10, 15 and 20), were prepared by the polyacrylamide gel method combined with low temperature sintering technique. Various characterizations confirm that there is special interfacial contact and charge transfer between NAO, NCO and GL. The 10%GL/S1 heterojunction exhibited the best photocatalytic activity and cyclic stability for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). Compared to NAO, NCO and NAO/NCO, the degradation efficiency of 10%GL/S1 was significantly improved, and the degradation percentage reached 83.2% within 30 min. The activity of 10%GL/S1 was studied in relation to catalyst content, drug concentration, pH value, water quality, and co-existing anion. Trapping experiments and free radical verification experiments confirmed that the holes, hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals played crucial roles in the photocatalysis process. Possible pathways for TC degradation were studied by HPLC-MS, and the ecotoxicity of TC and its degradation intermediates was evaluated by T.E.S.T. software. The charge transfer and photocatalytic mechanisms confirm that the introduction of GL enhances the interfacial interaction between the components, promotes the carrier migration efficiency, provides a large number of active sites for 10%GL/S1 heterojunction, and produces active free radicals after redox reaction with photoinduced electrons, effectively improving the degradation efficiency of TC.

One-Step Construction of Hierarchical Porous and Defect-Rich Zn2+-Doped NH2-MIL-125(Ti) to Enhance Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride.

The development of efficient metal-organic framework (MOF) photocatalysts for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) is crucial for environmental and public health. Herein, NH2-MIL-125(Ti) flakes (namely, ZnxTi1-x-NML), featuring defect-rich and Zn2+-doping, were synthesized using a one-step solvothermal method. For the first time, the crystal structure of Zn-doped NML was determined by combining extended X-ray absorption with fine structure spectroscopy. The formation mechanisms of the flake morphology with hierarchical porous structures were thoroughly investigated. Compared to NH2-MIL-125(Ti), Zn0.15Ti0.85-NML achieved a 3.4-fold increase in removal of TC under simulated sunlight. The adjusted electronic structure enhances superoxide radical production, coupled with a flake-like and porous architecture that promotes reaction sites, improved mass transfer, and reduced charge distances. Combined with theoretical calculations of the density of states and electrostatic potential, the ligand-metal-metal charge transfer process was elucidated. The possible pathway for the photocatalytic degradation of TC by Zn0.15Ti0.85-NML was further speculated. Moreover, the safety of the photocatalytic pathway was assessed by predicting the toxicity of the degradation intermediates. Our findings link the structure of MOFs to their catalytic efficiency, guiding the creation of sustainable photocatalysts.

Interface-engineered Ni(Fe/Al)-LDHs/g-C3N4 nanosheets with metallic Fe/Al[sbnd]N bonds for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

To improve the photogenerated electron–hole separation efficiency and the number of reactive oxygen species of g-C3N4 in visible light. Herein, an interface-engineered Ni(Fe/Al)-LDHs/g-C3N4 nanosheets with Fe/AlN bonds were prepared, which shows highly enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance with excellent structural stability. The interfacial structure of g-C3N4 was precisely regulated by metal Fe/Al on the surface of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), which could form Fe/AlN bonds as the interfacial charge transfer channels. In addition, the metal Ni and Fe/Al on the surface of LDHs nanosheets can furnish more photocatalytic active sites and interface synergy. The obtained 7 %NiFe-LDHs/g-C3N4 owns the degradation rate of 99.23 % for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in visible light. This work highlights a rational interface engineering strategy for the formation of a composite structure with interface interaction for efficient photocatalysts.

Z-scheme Bi2WO6/KCN heterojunction towards efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

Antibiotic overuse raises environmental concerns, boosting the demand for efficient removal from pharmaceutical wastewater. Photocatalysis, particularly using semiconductor photocatalysts, offers a promising solution and garners significant scientific interest. In this study, a cyanamide defective carbon nitride (KCN) and Bi2WO6(BWO) heterojunction photocatalyst (2-BWO@KCN) was developed, analyzed, and employed for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) under visible light. The as-synthesized heterojunction 2-BWO@KCN sample demonstrates superior performance compared to pure BWO, CN, KCN, and the heterojunction with pure CN (i.e., 2-BWO@CN) in terms of degrading TC and generating photocurrent under visible light. The study found that the degradation efficiency was affected by the dosage of 2-BWO@KCN and the presence of coexisting ions. Under optimal conditions, the degradation efficiency could reach 87% within 20 min of illumination. Additionally, through comprehensive experimental analysis, the degradation pathway, band structure, and mechanism were thoroughly explored. The superior photocatalytic performance of 2-BWO@KCN was attributed to its Z-scheme heterojunction structure, which significantly reduced the recombination of photogenerated electron and hole (e−/h+) pairs. The radicals (•OH/•O2−) produced were identified using ESR, and their role in tetracycline degradation was further analyzed through active species trapping experiments.

Ti-doped synergistic hollow thin-walled Bi2O3 nano-microspheres for efficient tetracycline hydrochloride photodegradation

Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) has been extensively investigated in the fields of environmental photocatalysis, owing to its exceptional charge transport performance and remarkable resistance to photocorrosion. However, the limited absorption spectrum of light and rapid recombination of photogenerated charge results in a low quantum efficiency. Herein, an efficient photocatalytic system for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) photodegradation based on titanium (Ti)-doped hollow, thin-walled Bi2O3 with nano-microspheres is fabricated via a facile self-assembly strategy. It is shown that doping Ti in Bi2O3 can generate oxygen vacancies, in addition, the addition of Ti in the solvothermal process inhibits the conversion of Bi3+ to bismuth at high temperature, making the content of each component in the heterostructure controllable. The hybrid catalyst exhibits superior performance in visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of TCH (about 95.1 % degradation efficiency after 120 min) and excellent stability (up to 4 cycles) under visible light irradiation. The optimized catalyst exhibits excellent performance in visible light catalytic degradation, owing to the synergistic effect of high specific surface area, Bi plasma resonance effect and charge mobility. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism of Ti-Bi2O3 have been deeply analyzed through experimental investigation and DFT theoretical calculations. The findings contribute to the synthesis of efficient visible-light-driven Bi-based photocatalysts and to the understanding of photocatalytic degradation reactions.

Photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride and oxytetracycline using novel zinc-based coordination polymers constructed with mixed linkers

In the present work, a new zinc-based coordination polymer was successfully synthesized by mixed-ligand method with the molecular formula of {[Zn(ipa)(Hpap)]·2H2O}n, (abbreviated as Zn-CP), where ipa = isophthalic acid, Hpap = 4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridine. Furthermore, reasonable characterization of Zn-CP was carried out by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and other spectra. During the characterization process, it was found that Zn-CP can have excellent acid-base stability, water stability and thermal stability. In addition, the complex was able to effectively degrade tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and oxytetracycline (OTC) within 60 min under visible light irradiation (with degradation efficiencies of 80.2 % and 83.5 %, respectively), and the cycling experiments showed that Zn-CP could still effectively degrade TCH and OTC after three cycles. Finally, in order to propose a rational photocatalytic degradation mechanism, free radical trapping experiments and energy band structure analysis were also carried out.

Direct Z-scheme CeO2/TiO2 heterojunction derived from tobacco leaf vein biotemplate for visible-light photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

The development of visible-light-responsive biotemplated TiO2-based photocatalysts has been receiving much attention due to the pressing issue of antibiotic-residues in wastewater. In this work, tobacco leaf veins were utilized as a biotemplate to fabricate Z-scheme CeO2/TiO2 (GTS-CeO2/TiO2) photocatalysts via a solvothermal process followed by in situ calcination. Moreover, the microstructure units of the biotemplate-shaped photocatalysts can be regulated as required. Characterization and photocatalytic test results indicate that the biotemplated CeO2/TiO2 composites feature tight heterojunctions, which can effectively accelerate the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. The photodegradation efficiency of 20 ppm tetracycline hydrochloride under visible-light irradiation reaches 98.9 % over the GTS-CeO2/TiO2 in 120 min, with an apparent rate constant (Kappt) that is 2.9 times higher than that of CeO2/TiO2 synthesized without biotemplating. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the construction of Z-scheme CeO2/TiO2 heterojunction, the presence of Ce4+/Ce3+, the unique morphology derived from the biotemplate, and the designed microstructure unit of the photocatalyst. The GTS-CeO2/TiO2 exhibits good stability and can be reused several times. The degradation pathways of TCH were primarily dominated by h+, ⋅OH, and ⋅O2-, leading to a reduction in the toxicity of intermediates. The degradation mechanism of tetracycline hydrochloride was also analyzed and proposed. This work provides a new inspiration for the preparation of visible-light photocatalysts to purify the environment in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

Highly efficient recovery of Zn (II) from zinc-containing wastewater by tourmaline tailings geopolymers to in-situ construct nanoscale ZnS for the photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

While treating zinc-containing wastewater, recovering zinc for reuse as a secondary resource has significant environmental and economic benefits. Herein, based on the alkali-activated tourmaline tailings geopolymers (TTG) after adsorption of zinc ions (Zn (II)), a series of new composites with in-situ construction ZnS nanoparticles on TTG (ZnS/TTG) were synthesized, and used as photocatalysts for the photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in solution. Specifically, ZnS nanoparticles were uniformly and stably distributed in the layered structure of TTG, interweaving with each other to generate an interfacial electric field, which could induce more photocarrier generation. Meanwhile, TTG acted as an electron acceptor to accelerate the electron transfer at the interface, thus enhancing the photodegradation activity for TCH. The active radical quenching experiments combined with the ESR indicated that the active species produced during the photocatalytic degradation of TCH by ZnS/TTG composites were •O2− and photogenerated h+. When the initial concentration of Zn (II) was 60 mg/L, the synthesized 60-ZnS/TTG composites (0.5 g/L) reached 91.53% degradation efficiency of TCH (10 mg/L) at pH = 6. Furthermore, the possible pathways and mechanism of 60-ZnS/TTG composites photodegraded TCH were revealed with the aid of degraded intermediates. This report not only proposed valuable references for reusing heavy metal ions and removing TCH from wastewater, but also provided promising ideas for realizing the conversion of used adsorbents into high-efficiency photocatalysts.

Effective degradation of tetracycline under visible light by microwave-assisted reflux synthesis of ZnO/MoS2/rGO ternary nanocomposites

ZnO@MoS2 and conducting rGO based ternary nanocomposites were synthesized by a bottom-up microwave-assisted reflux method and effectively investigated for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) antibiotic. The XRD, EDAX and XPS results corroborates the formation of nanostructure composite with high phase purity. The ZnO nanorods are well grafted on the curled configuration of layered MoS2 and thin surfaced rGO sheets as visualised from HR-TEM analysis. Upon addition of rGO, there is a significant decrease in the bandgap and improved visible light response in the ternary nanocomposites is elucidated by UV–visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS) analysis. The suppression in photo-induced electron/hole pair recombination and allowing easy charge transport of ZnMG-50 were evidenced from photoluminescence (PL) and photo-electrochemical impedance (photo-EIS) spectroscopy. From BET and BJH analysis, the enhancement in surface area and pore volume by loading of rGO (SBET = 264.794 m2/g and 0.548 cm3/g). The optimized ZnMG-50 nano-photocatalyst possess a superior photocatalytic performance with higher removal efficiency of 92.18 % was achieved at pH level 10, catalyst dosage 40 mg and TCH concentration 20 ppm within 180 min under illumination. The degradation process compiles a pseudo-first order reaction with a kinetic rate constant of 0.01365 min−1. The nonstop generation of hydroxyl (˙OH) and superoxide (O2˙-) reactive species were beneficial for free electrons in the active participation, which remains as a core factor in the degradation process. The detailed study on ZnMG-50 nanocomposite substantiated to be an efficient noble metal-free synthetic catalyst for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics.

Yb-doped BiOBr for highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light irradiation

Bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) is a common photocatalyst for degrading organic pollutants. Due to its low charge separation efficiency and narrow band gap, it is difficult to achieve good results in practical applications. By doping ytterbium ions (Yb3+) into BiOBr, its absorption and utilization of visible light can be improved, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic performance. In this study, a simple one-step hydrothermal method was used to prepare Yb-doped BiOBr photocatalysts with enhanced oxygen vacancies (OVs). Yb0.4/BiOBr excites molecular oxygen and has a low band gap and a high charge separation efficiency. When tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) is used for photocatalysis, the degradation efficiency can reach 89.38% within 100 min, and the reaction rate constant is 1.47 times that of BiOBr without Yb doping. Finally, the possible degradation pathways and intermediates of TCH were investigated by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). This study provides a new approach for improving the photocatalytic activity of BiOBr.

Ce-Doped Nanosheet as Visible Light Photocatalyst for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride

Ce-Doped Nanosheet as Visible Light Photocatalyst for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride

Conical porous hollow g-C3N4 charge separation with high efficiency for enhancing visible-light photocatalytic activity

The performance of the photocatalysts is influenced by factors such as electron generation ability, charge separation rate, and active sites distribution. In this study, needle-shaped precursors were prepared through low-temperature supramolecular self-assembly, and conical porous hollow carbon nitride (PHCN) was obtained after high-temperature pyrolysis. The PHCN not only possesses a thin-walled porous structure but also contains nitrogen defects embedded in its structure, which synergistically enhance the efficiency of photogenerated charge separation and provide more reactive sites. The DFT calculations showed that nitrogen defects and Pt-loading synergistically optimize the intermediate reaction process of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). PHCN had excellent photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and Rhodamine B (Rh B). The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of PHCN was 20.0 times higher than that of bulk g-C3N4 (BCN). This study elucidated the relationship between crystallization rate and precursor morphology, as well as the influence of their physicochemical properties on photocatalytic performance. It also lays the foundation for constructing materials with nitrogen defects and special morphology through supramolecular self-assembly.

Direct Z-scheme charge transfer Bi2O3/UiO-66-NH2 heterojunctions for boosted photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride in different water systems

The development of hybrid heterostructure photocatalysts with enhanced visible light absorption capacity holds significant importance in environmental remediation. However, the challenge persists in exploiting strong visible-light responsive photocatalysts with both high efficiency and stability. Herein, we successfully synthesized a hybrid Z-scheme heterojunction of Bi2O3 and UiO-66-NH2 (Bi2O3/UiO-66-NH2) through a simple hydrothermal route. The visible light photocatalytic performance of Z-scheme Bi2O3/UiO-66-NH2 heterojunction is systematically evaluated for persistent antibiotic tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) both in the clean and real water matrix. All heterojunction catalysts exhibit superior photodegradation capabilities compared to pristine Bi2O3 and UiO-66-NH2. The optimal ratio of the two components heterojunction (BUN-150), in particular, demonstrates the highest removal efficiencies for TC-HCl (95 %) within a 90-min timeframe. This remarkable photocatalytic performance is credited to the Z-scheme charge transfer occurring at the interface of Bi2O3 and UiO-66-NH2 in Bi2O3/UiO-66-NH2 heterojunction. The active species experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance analyses are conducted to identify the active reactive species during the TC-HCl degradation (·OH, h+, and ·O2−), and a precise photocatalytic degradation mechanism is explained. Additionally, the photodegradation intermediates of TC-HCl are detected using the HPLC-MS analysis to explain the degradation pathways of TC-HCl. This research paves the way for the development of novel Z-scheme Bi2O3-based heterojunction catalysts for outstanding photocatalytic applications.

Construction of AgI/PCN-224 Z-scheme heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride: Pathways, mechanism and theoretical calculations

The construction of heterojunction structures is pivotal in enhancing carrier separation and photocatalytic activity. Hence, AgI/PCN-224 (APN-x composites) Z-scheme heterojunctions were successfully synthesised using an in-situ precipitation method. The direction of electron migration and the band structures of APN-x were comprehensively investigated using a combination of experimental approaches and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Owing to the extensive visible-light absorption capabilities of PCN-224 and the high efficiency of photogenerated carrier separation in the Z-scheme heterojunction, the optimally developed APN-3 photocatalyst demonstrated exceptional photodegradation efficiency for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The removal rate of TCH by APN-3 within 120 min reached 91.56%, approximately 4.64 times higher than that achieved by pure AgI. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism was explored using free radical trapping experiments, electron spin resonance (ESR) technology and band structure analysis. Degradation pathways and intermediate products were investigated using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS).

Construction of Zn0.5Cd0.5S/Bi4O5Br2 Heterojunction for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride

The development of efficient catalysts with visible light response for the removal of pollutants in an aqueous environment has been a hotspot in the field of photocatalysis research. A Zn0.5Cd0.5S (ZCS) nanoparticle/Bi4O5Br2 ultra-thin nanosheet heterojunction was constructed by ultrasound-assisted solvothermal method. The morphology, structure, and optoelectronic properties of the composite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. Under simulated visible light illumination, the photocatalytic performance was evaluated through degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. Results show that the degradation effect by the optimum ZCS/Bi4O5Br2 catalyst is superior to pure materials with the kinetic constant that is 1.7 and 9.6 times higher than those of Bi4O5Br2 and ZCS, and also has better stability and reusability. Trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance tests find that free radicals in the photocatalytic system are superoxide radicals and holes. This work provides a referable idea for the development of more efficient and recyclable photocatalysts.

Design of magnetically separable double Z-scheme Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/MoS2 heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics under visible light irradiation

Photocatalysis is a promising technology in treating antibiotic wastewater. However, the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and the loss of photocatalysts make its practical application challenging. To address these issues, a double Z-scheme heterojunction of magnetically separable Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/MoS2 photocatalyst is designed and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The degradation efficiency of TCH by Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/MoS2 can achieve 99.0 % within 7.5 min under visible light irradiation, which is still above 91.3 % after 7 cycles. The excellent photocatalytic performance is attributed to the enhanced carrier life by constructing the double Z-scheme heterostructure in Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/MoS2. Mechanistic study indicates that •O2−, •OH, and h+ radicals are generated during the photocatalytic degradation. Combining experimental and theoretical calculations, two main degradation pathways are proposed, and the toxicity of the degradation system is significantly reduced. This study provides fresh insights into the photocatalytic degradation of refractory antibiotics by constructing magnetically separable Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/MoS2 heterojunction.

A novel La2MnTiO6 perovskite for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

One of the majority of environmental pollution is caused by organic substances resulting from anthropogenic and industrial activities, such as dyes, antibiotics, and similar substances. Due to these pollutants’ strong stability, they are difficult to decompose, and their breakdown can only occur slowly through chemical or biological processes. Photocatalysis is a potential method for environmental clean-up with a significant oxidation capacity and a rapid response rate. Among them, double perovskite is an emerging alternative to single perovskite, which has recently shown comparable or even better performance for degrading organic pollutants. The first report on the synthesis of La2MnTiO6 (LMTO) double perovskite for tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) degradation was made in this work. By using XRD, FE-SEM, BET, and EDX analysis, the crystalline structure morphology, and elemental composition of the samples were identified. According to the calcination temperature, only at temperatures greater than 700 °C could the LMTO material be successfully formed. The photocatalytic performances of the prepared samples were evaluated by degrading TC under a UV LED lamp at 365 nm. The 800 °C calcined sample exhibited the highest TC degradation performance, reaching around 62% in 120 min. Besides, the LMTO might eliminate another medicine such as Ciprofloxacin (CIP). Overall, these results offer a potential strategy for employing LMTO photocatalysts to remove various antibiotics.

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride by Cu2O/BiVO4 p-n heterostructure

Star-like BiVO4 and Cu2O nanocubes were prepared by hydrothermal method and chemical reduction, respectively, and Cu2O/BiVO4 p-n heterojunction with different mass ratios of Cu2O to BiVO4 (3:1, 1:1, 1:3) were synthesized via facile physical mixing. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic performance of the Cu2O/BiVO4 composites was evaluated by degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) under simulated solar illumination. Owing to the fast charge transfer between n-type BiVO4 and p-type Cu2O, Cu2O/BiVO4 composites exhibited superior photocatalytic activity. When the mass ratio of Cu2O to BiVO4 was 1:3, the highest degradation efficiency of TC reached 78.9% within 24 min.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride Based on the Structure-Property Exploration of BiOCl.

The correlation between structure and properties in the photodegradation reaction of bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) was explored in this work. Three BiOCl samples with different sizes, morphological structures, and defects were prepared through a hydrothermal method with experimental manipulation. Their structural properties were comprehensively characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron spin resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. Taking the photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) as the probe reaction, we found that high activity could be achieved by decreasing their crystal size and thickness, introducing proper defects in the structure, and assembling the nanosheets to get microball structure. Combined with radical-scavenge experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trap spectra, we conclude that ̇O2- was the dominant reactive oxygen species for the degradation reaction. The degradation detailed pathway of TC-HCl was further analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This work explores the structure-property correlation of BiOCl and provides strategies for the rational design of active photocatalysts for water remediation.