Hydrothermal synthesis of Bi₂O₃/Bi₂O₂S heterojunctions as emerging photocatalysts for tetracycline degradation

By developing photocatalyst systems that enhance the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of antibiotics, our interest currently lies in utilizing visible light to optimize the use of the solar light spectrum. Bismuth-based photocatalysts take advantage of nature’s narrow bandgap and wide range of compounds. In this study, the synthesis of bismuth-based heterojunctions from two visible light response Bi 2 O 3 and Bi 2 O 2 S materials by hydrothermal method is used for the degradation of tetracycline. The highest removal efficiency belongs to the Bi 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 2 S heterojunction hydrothermal in 6 h, which is 51.27%. The combination of Bi 2 O 3 and Bi 2 O 2 S materials creates the heterojunction that enhances the visible light response up to 623 nm, reduces the recombination rate, increases carrier mobility, and tunes the energy level. In addition, the photocatalytic degradation of Bi 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 2 S systems involves e[Formula: see text], h[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]OH, and [Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] in the degradation of tetracycline. The Bi 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 2 S is a promising heterostructured photocatalyst in the removal of tetracycline from wastewater.