Direct Z-scheme Ag3PO4/Bi4Ti3O12 heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic performance for sulfamethoxazole degradation

This paper introduces a Z-scheme Ag3PO4/Bi4Ti3O12 heterojunction composite photocatalyst prepared by an in-situ growth method. The photocatalytic properties of the prepared samples under visible light irradiation were studied by degrading sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The results of photocatalytic experiments and cycle experiments showed that Ag3PO4/Bi4Ti3O12-20% composite exhibited much better photocatalytic activity and stability than pure Ag3PO4 and pure Bi4Ti3O12. The capture experiment results showed that h(+) is the main active substance in the process of SMX degradation. In addition, we proposed a possible photocatalytic mechanism based on the results of experiment and characterization. The formation of a direct Z-Scheme photocatalytic system promoted the separation of carriers, thereby improving the stability and activity of the composite samples.