Construction of Bi‐BTC/BiYO ₃ Heterojunction@Cellulose Acetate Composite Material and Its Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline

The widespread use of tetracycline (TC) has resulted in severe water pollution, highlighting the urgent need for efficient degradation technologies. In this study, a Bi-BTC/BiYO₃/CA photocatalyst was synthesized using cellulose acetate (CA) as a carrier via a solvothermal process combined with nonsolvent-induced phase separation, and its photocatalytic performance in TC degradation was systematically evaluated. Under optimal conditions, a degradation efficiency of 95.06% was achieved. Both experimental and theoretical analyses revealed that the formation of the Bi-BTC/BiYO₃ heterojunction enhances the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and improves visible-light absorption, whereas the incorporation of CA significantly boosts the material's recyclability. Various characterization methods confirmed the successful synthesis of Bi-BTC/BiYO₃/CA. Additionally, the efficient carrier separation and expansion of the light absorption range achieved by the Bi-BTC/BiYO₃ heterojunction were demonstrated. Notably, the photocatalyst retained 91% of its initial degradation efficiency after four recycling cycles, underscoring the potential of the CA-based composite catalyst for application in simulated wastewater treatment. This synergistic integration of a heterojunction and carrier provides a promising strategy for the effective degradation of environmental pollutants.