Building Fe2O3/MoO3 nanorod heterojunction enables better tetracycline photocatalysis

This study reports a facile synthesis of rod-like 1D Fe2O3/MoO3 heterojunction via a simple two-step hydro thermal reaction strategy. The fabricated nanocomposites showed a dependent Fe2O3 loading ratio towards tetracycline photocatalysis, among which 1D 30%Fe2O3/MoO3 nanorods displayed the highest tetracycline degradation efficiency under visible light, reaching 96.5% in 90 min. In addition, the nanocomposite exhibited superior recyclability and stability in the overall photocatalysis. We explained the remarkable photocatalytic performance in terms of type-II alignment in Fe2O3/MoO3 nanorods for efficient electron-hole transport with the main participation of (OH)-O-center dot and h(+) reactive radicals.

Automated summary

This study describes the synthesis of rod-like 1D Fe2O3/MoO3 heterojunction and its high photocatalytic efficiency for tetracycline degradation. The nanocomposites also exhibit superior recyclability and stability due to efficient electron-hole transport in the Fe2O3/MoO3 nanorods. The remarkable photocatalytic performance is attributed to the type-II alignment in the nanorods, facilitating the participation of (OH)-O-center dot and h(+) reactive radicals.