Embedding Cu3P quantum dots onto BiOCl nanosheets as a 0D/2D S-scheme heterojunction for photocatalytic antibiotic degradation. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shi, Liang; Yin, Jiangning; Liu, Yanru; Liu, Hanqiong; Zhang, Hao; Tang, Hua
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 309:Part 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Photocatalysis -- Cu3P/BiOCl -- Quantum dots -- S-scheme; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136607
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The development of highly efficient photocatalysts is vital for solvinge the problem of environmental pollution. In this study, a novel zero-/two-dimensional (0D/2D) S-scheme heterojunction was fabricated by integrating 0D copper phosphide (Cu3 P) quantum dots (QDs) with a size in the range of 3–8 nm onto 2D bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanosheets using a self-assembly tactic. The Cu3 P/BiOCl presented intimate interface contact and high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of antibiotics (tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), oxytetracycline, ofloxacin). The optimal sample exhibited the highest photocatalytic TC degradation, with a total removal rate of 86% after 6 min under full-spectrum irradiation, which was higher than that of compared to individual BiOCl. The improved activity of the Cu3 P/BiOCl heterojunction was attributed to the enhanced separation of the photogenerated carriers due to the S-scheme mode which can promote the recombination of useless photogenerated carriers and maintain photogenerated carriers with stronger redox potentials for photocatalytic reaction. In addition, employing Cu3 P QDs and BiOCl nanosheets to construct an S-scheme composite can offer abundant active sites for antibiotic degradation. In brief, this study demonstrates that Cu3 P QDs are an effective cocatalyst for degrading organic pollutants, which provides novel inspiration for the future design of green recycling photocatalysts for wastewater remediation. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A 0D/2D Cu3 P/BiOCl S-scheme heterojunction was constructed. Cu3 P QDs offered abundant actives and better light absorption. The Cu3 P/BiOCl presented high photocatalytic activity of antibiotic degradation.