Ultrahigh-efficient BiOBr-x%La@y%CNQDs nanocomposites with enhanced generation and separation of photogenerated carriers towards bisphenol A degradation and toxicity reduction. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Weili; Wang, Yan; Wan, Shungang; Sun, Lei; Yu, Zebin
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 308:Part 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Photocatalysis -- Z-scheme nanocomposites -- Mechanism -- Toxicity -- Bisphenol A; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, a series of hierarchical flower-like La-doped BiOBr composites modified with carbon nitride quantum dots (BiOBr-x%La@y%CNQDs) was synthesized using a microwave solvothermal method in combination with a calcination method. It was found that La doping and CNQDs co-decorated with BiOBr showed much better photoreactivity for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation than pure BiOBr. The best degradation and mineralization efficiencies of BPA were 100% and 77% within 12 min at La and CNQDs contents of 1% and 1.25%, respectively. Various characterization results demonstrated that this synergistic effect on BiOBr–1%La@1.25%CNQDs was attributed to its improved light-harvesting properties, enhanced photogenerated electron and holes pairs separation and interfacial charge transfer. Degradation pathways were proposed based on active species analysis, identification of nine intermediates, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Furthermore, a bioluminescence assay of the inhibition rate of the luminescent bacterium Vibrio qinghaiensis sp. Q67 showed that BiOBr–1%La@1.25%CNQDs have superior detoxification ability. The present study provides some insight into the design of ultrahigh-efficiency nanojunction photocatalysts with a broadened photoabsorption range and improved separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers to enhance the degradation and detoxification performance of BPA. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Hierarchical flower-like Z-scheme BiOBr–1%La@1.25%CNQDs photocatalyst was synthesized. BiOBr–1%La@1.25%CNQDs exhibited ultrahigh photoactivity for BPA over pure BiOBr. Introduction of La and CNQDs promoted light absorption and photocarriers separation. Degradation mechanism of BPA was proposed from experimental and theoretical insights. Efficient and significant detoxification of BPA was achieved with the nanocomposites.