Novel tablet-like Bi3TaO7/BiOCl 2D-2D heterostructure with heightened charge segregation for Visible-light-driven photocatalytic pollutants degradation

Industrial discharge in recent years has posed an enormous threat to the survival of all living beings. Photocatalysts are significant in photocatalytic environmental reformation. Presently, we have fabricated tablet-like Bi3TaO7/BiOCl with varying proportions by in-situ precipitation, investigated via characterization techniques. The 1:1 Bi3TaO7/BiOCl (74 ?m(2)/g) degraded tetracycline (TC) (similar to 90%; k ?= ?0.02541 min(-1)), and methylene blue (MB) (similar to 99%; k ?= ?0.05622 min(-1)). The pH and pzc studies suggested the maximum removal for MB (99.6%) and TC (90.22%) in the basic and acidic range, respectively with 0.13 ?g/L, indicating the electrostatic interaction between the catalyst and pollutants. Feed concentration studies indicated a decrease in efficiency suggesting a reduced number of active sites. COD studies displayed the efficiency of the composite in removing organic pollutants. The stability of the composite was confirmed through the reusability studies with XRD analysis supporting its intactness. The scavenging experiments explored the mechanism indicating the role of (OH)-O-center dot and O-2(center dot-) in the degradation process. The work provides a novel technique to synthesize Bi3TaO7/BiOCl with possible efficiency in pollutant removal.

Automated summary

Industrial discharge poses a threat to the survival of living beings. This study investigated the fabrication of Bi3TaO7/BiOCl photocatalyst and its effectiveness in degrading pollutants. The composite material showed high efficiency in removing tetracycline and methylene blue in different pH environments.