Sb2X3 (X = S, Se) nanowires/graphene aerogel monoliths for effective photodegradation of dye/drug under visible light irradiation

The visible-light-responsive photocatalysts with high efficiency have been attracting tremendous focus in environmental remediation. Herein, three-dimensional (3D) Sb2X3 ( X = S , Se) nanowires/graphene aerogel (Sb2X3/GA) monoliths were prepared by a facile hydrothermal route. The as-prepared Sb2X3/GA mono-liths show the shape of a cylinder with a hierarchical porous structure. FESEM and porosimetry analy-ses revealed that the monoliths have high porosity, large total pore area as well as large pore volume. Sb2X3/GA demonstrated excellent photodegradation performance for the representative anionic/cationic dyes (methyl orange, rhodamine B, and crystal violet) and antibiotic drug (tetracycline hydrochloride) under 120 min of visible light irradiation. The degradation efficiencies of Sb2X3/GA were found to be 92.6-99.8% for the above-mentioned dye/drug, which were much larger than that of the pristine Sb2X3 nanowires. The enhanced photodegradation activity could be ascribed to the synergistic effect between the Sb2X3 nanowires and graphene aerogel, which was confirmed by the results of the photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectra. These findings provide an innovative strategy for designing 3D visible-light-responsive photocatalysts for water purification. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Three-dimensional (3D) Sb2X3 (X = S, Se) nanowires/graphene aerogel (Sb2X3/GA) monoliths were prepared by a hydrothermal route and exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation. The degradation efficiencies of Sb2X3/GA for dyes and antibiotic drugs were significantly higher than those of pristine Sb2X3 nanowires, thanks to the synergistic effect between Sb2X3 nanowires and graphene aerogel. These findings offer an innovative strategy for designing 3D visible-light-responsive photocatalysts for water purification.