Enhanced photocatalytic antibacterial and degradation performance by n-p type 0D/2D SnO2-x/BiOI photocatalyst under LED light

The construction of efficient and multifunctional photocatalyst with tight hybridization structure is an ideal method to remove pollutants from wastewater. To achieve the goal, a novel n-p type 0D/2D SnO2-x/BiOI photocatalyst was prepared by using large specific surface area SnO2-x (203.1 m(2)/g) combining with BiOI nanosheet through a facile in situ growth route. A series of techniques including TEM, HRTEM and BET confirmed the structure of 0D/2D SnO2-x/BiOI composite. As expected, the novel SnO2-x/BiOI photocatalyst can successfully remove tetracycline (TC), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) under LED light. Photocurrent and EIS verified the enhanced separation efficiency of photo-excited electron-hole pairs. Trapping experiment and mass spectrometry analysis revealed the active species, intermediate product and photodegradation pathway in photocatalytic process. The mechanism reveals that the Fermi levels of n-type SnO2-x and p-type BiOI have reached a new equilibrium, which is conducive to charge separation of electrons and holes. This work provides an effective example for the preparation of compact heterojunction photocatalytic materials with high efficiency.

Automated summary

A novel n-p type 0D/2D SnO2-x/BiOI photocatalyst was developed for efficient removal of pollutants from wastewater, showing enhanced separation efficiency of photo-excited electron-hole pairs. The mechanism involves reaching a new equilibrium in Fermi levels, aiding in charge separation for high efficiency photocatalysis.