Ag2S Nanoparticles Supported on 3D Flower-Shaped Bi2WO6 Enhanced Visible Light Catalytic Degradation of Tetracycline

A three-dimensional flower-shaped Bi2WO6 has been prepared by a hydrothermal procedure without the addition of an auxiliary agent and under neutral conditions with ultrapure water serving as solvent, and the Ag2S-Bi2WO6 composite with weight ratios of 5, 10, and 15% was prepared by a hydrothermal method. The crystallinity, morphology, mode of binding, and optical properties of the Ag2S-Bi2WO6 composite were characterized, the results of which showed that the composite had excellent dispersion, crystallinity, and purity. The composite with a weight ratio of 10% had the best photocatalytic performance, and the degradation rate of tetracycline reached 95.51% within 120 min, an increase of 27.35% over Bi2WO6. In experiments, some focus was given to the effect of the initial solution pH and the concentrations of humic acid and inorganic anions on the degradation efficiency. Based on free radical capture experiments and the semiconductor theory, the main active substances and mechanisms in the optical catalytic reaction process were studied, and speculation was given concerning the degradation pathway for the target pollutants. This study has conceived novel methods for the development of dual semiconductor systems consisting of a Ag NP composite and in doing so has provided new approaches for the development and photocatalysis for water pollution control.

Automated summary

A three-dimensional flower-shaped Bi2WO6 and Ag2S-Bi2WO6 composite were prepared by hydrothermal methods. The properties and photocatalytic performance of the composite were characterized, and the effects of initial solution pH and organic compound concentration on degradation efficiency were studied. The degradation pathway was speculated based on free radical capture experiments and semiconductor theory.