Insights into the highly efficient SPR enhanced photodegradation of tetracycline by Bi/Bi2MoO6 composites

A Bi/Bi2MoO6 nanocomposite is fabricated utilizing a simple one-pot solvothermal method, which shows great photodegradation ability to tetracycline (TC). The effect of Bi-0 nanoparticles on the photodegradation of TC was investigated, and it is ascribed to the surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) effect. The light energy could be strongly absorbed by the Bi-0 nanoparticles, and then transferred to the adjacent Bi2MoO6, to enhance the photocatalytic performance. The results of the sacrifice experiment and quantitative analysis of active radicals showed that the photoelectrons could react with soluble O-2 and center dot OH to form center dot O-2(-), which finally dominates in the process of photocatalytic degradation of TC. This work proposed a way to construct a highly efficient photocatalyst based on SPR effect, which has great application potential in environmental treatment.

Automated summary

A Bi/Bi2MoO6 nanocomposite with great photodegradation ability to tetracycline (TC) was successfully fabricated through a simple one-pot solvothermal method. The photodegradation of TC was enhanced by the surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) effect, where the light energy was absorbed by Bi-0 nanoparticles and transferred to adjacent Bi2MoO6. The formation of center dot O-2(-) through the reaction of photoelectrons with soluble O-2 and center dot OH was identified as the dominant process in the photocatalytic degradation of TC. This study proposes a highly efficient photocatalyst based on SPR effect, which holds promising application potential in environmental treatment.