Design of visible-light-response core–shell Fe2O3/CuBi2O4 heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of tetracycline: Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism insight

Abstract

Antibiotics have been detected in various water bodies, which poses a huge threat to the global environment and human life. Making good use of renewable solar energy for the removal of antibiotics from aqueous environment is highly desired. A Z-scheme core–shell Fe₂O₃/CuBi₂O₄ heterostructure was synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. The morphology and structure of Fe₂O₃/CuBi₂O₄ were investigated by a series of characterization techniques. The prepared Fe₂O₃/CuBi₂O₄ composites exhibited higher photocatalytic performance for the degradation of tetracycline than pure Fe₂O₃ and CuBi₂O₄. Meanwhile, 30 wt% Fe₂O₃/CuBi₂O₄ composite demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of tetracycline (nearly 80% in 120 min) as well as outstanding stability after three cyclic reactions (6 h). This enhanced photocatalytic performance is mainly attributed to the construction of a direct Z-scheme core–shell heterostructure between Fe₂O₃ and CuBi₂O₄ in the composite, which promotes the efficient separation of charge carriers, depresses the recombination of photogenerated charges and possesses strong reduction capabilities. In general, this study may provide a strategy to design highly efficient photocatalysts with core–shell heterostructure for environment restoration.