Developing a magnetic bismuth-based quaternary semiconductor boosted by plasmonic action for photocatalytic detoxification of Cr(VI) and norfloxacin antibiotic under simulated solar irradiation: Synergistic work and radical mechanism

The development of robust dual-S-scheme heterojunctions has exhibited prominent potential for the photo-degradation of environmental pollutants. Herein, novel dual-S-scheme heterojunction of NiFe2O4/Bi/ Bi2WO6/Bi5O7I was constructed by a facile multistep approach for pollutants detoxification under visible-light illumination. The novelty of this work involved the incorporation of a bismuth-based heterostructure with NiFe2O4 to develop a magnetic field for recycling issues. The morphological characteristics revealed the presence of NiFe2O4/Bi/Bi2WO6/Bi5O7I (NFO/BBWO/BOI) in a flower-like structure. The NFO/BBWO/BOI heterojunction displayed the highest photocatalytic activity towards NOR destruction (96.5% in 75 min) and Cr(VI) reduction (95% in 60 min) under LED illumination. The synergistic work between the S-scheme heterojunction and the plasmonic (SPR) effect was behind the boosted photocatalytic performance. On the other hand, the influence of some environmental factors like pH, organic and inorganic substances, catalyst loading, and actual water bodies was also discussed. Besides, NFO/BBWO/BOI reflected facile reusability and excellent stability. The radical detection tests demonstrated the significant participation of all reactive species in NOR oxidation. The photodegradation pathways and intermediates detection of NOR were ac-curately proposed using the HPLC-TOF-MS system. Finally, the suggested mechanism declared that the synergistic efforts of SPR action and the S-scheme system could effectively stimulate the charge migration with high redox potential to mineralize the NOR and Cr(VI) reduction under visible light illumination.(c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel dual-S-scheme heterojunction of NiFe2O4/Bi/Bi2WO6/Bi5O7I was constructed, showing prominent potential for the photo-degradation of environmental pollutants under visible-light illumination.