White LED driven {010}-faceted BiVO4 mediated electron transfer enables efficient peroxymonosulfate activation for norfloxacin degradation

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic norfloxacin (NOR) residues in aquatic environments necessitates the research of high-efficiency and eco-friendly photocatalysts for their degradation. In this study, plasma-treated {010}-faceted BiVO 4 (denoted as BiVO 4 -010-P) with abundant oxygen vacancies (V O ) and plasmonic Bi nanoparticles was strategically employed to achieve efficient NOR degradation via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. Compared with pristine BiVO 4 , BiVO 4 -010-P exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic PMS activation performance, achieving approximately 95% NOR removal within 80 min under white LED irradiation. Experimental and DFT calculations prove that metallic Bi particles not only enhanced its light-absorption capacity, generating more hot electrons, but also accelerate electrons transfer from metallic Bi to BiVO 4 -010-V O . Meanwhile, the generation V O not only enhances PMS adsorption, but also facilitates charge transfer between BiVO 4 -010-V O and PMS. These synergistic effects collectively contribute to enhanced photocatalytic activity. Through these mechanisms, this study proposes an innovative surface engineering strategy for designing surface-engineered photocatalytic materials, which aims to efficiently address antibiotic pollutants in wastewater treatment systems. In this work, metallic Bi modified BiVO 4 -010 containing oxygen vacancies (denoted as BiVO 4 -010-P) catalysts were synthesized for NOR degradation by PMS activation. Metallic Bi not only enhanced its light-absorption capacity, but also accelerate electrons transfer between Bi and BiVO 4 -010-V O . Meanwhile, the V O facilitates charge transfer between BiVO 4 -010-V O and PMS. This synergistic effect enhanced NOR degradation efficiency efficiently. • Metallic Bi particles modified {010}-faceted BiVO 4 containing oxygen vacancies (BiVO 4 -010-P) catalysts were synthesized. • BiVO 4 -010-P catalysts can achieve 95% NOR removal within 80 min under white LED illumination. • Metallic Bi particles could enhance light-absorption and accelerate electrons transfer from Bi to BiVO 4 -010-V O . • Oxygen vacancies could enhance PMS adsorption and facilitate charge transfer between catalyst and PMS.