Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline antibiotic using m-BiVO4 photocatalyst under visible light irradiation

The monoclinic Bismuth Vanadate (m-BiVO4) photocatalyst was synthesized via hydrothermal technique. The characterization studies confirmed that the m-BiVO4 exhibits monoclinic scheelite structure, twinning star-like morphology and high optical absorption. The photodegradation of Tetracycline (TC) using m-BiVO4 reveals that degradation efficiency of 96% and rate constant of 0.029 min-1 were achieved at 60 min of visible-light irradiation. The rate constant for m-BiVO4 is 2.23 times greater than the commercially available TiO2 owing to small crystallite size and narrow bandgap. These excellent characteristics strongly suggest that the prepared m-BiVO4 may serve as better photocatalyst for the removal of antibiotic pollutants from wastewater.

Automated summary

The monoclinic Bismuth Vanadate photocatalyst synthesized via hydrothermal technique exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance, achieving efficient degradation of Tetracycline. Its rate constant is 2.23 times greater than commercially available TiO2.