A novel SiP/TiO2 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for efficient degradation of norfloxacin

Photocatalysis is considered to be an effective approach for eliminating intractable organic pollutants in wastewater. However, its inefficiency is attributed to the slow transport and quick complexation of photo generated carriers. Herein, we proposed a novel SiP/TiO2 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst synthesized by hydrothermal method. And this photocatalyst was firstly used for the efficient degradation of norfloxacin, degrading 90.89% of norfloxacin (NOR) in 100 min which was 3 times higher than the degradation efficiency of TiO2 (29.98%). Results from spectral analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that an internal electric field (IEF) exists in the SiP/TiO2 heterojunction. This IEF is advantageous for transporting and separating photogenerated carriers. Unlike conventional powder photocatalysts, this photocatalyst grown on conductive glass is not only simple to recycle, but also prevents environmental contamination. This research opens up new options for designing and applying heterojunction catalysts.

Automated summary

Photocatalysis is an effective method for removing difficult to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater, but its efficiency is hindered by slow carrier transport and quick carrier recombination. In this study, a novel SiP/TiO2 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized using hydrothermal method. This photocatalyst demonstrated a significantly higher degradation efficiency of norfloxacin compared to TiO2, reaching 90.89% degradation in 100 minutes, three times higher than TiO2. Spectral analysis and density functional theory calculations confirmed the presence of an internal electric field in the SiP/TiO2 heterojunction, which facilitates carrier transport and separation. Additionally, the photocatalyst grown on conductive glass is easily recyclable and prevents environmental contamination, offering new options for designing and applying heterojunction catalysts.