Vacancy pairs regulate BiOBr microstructure for efficient dimethyl phthalate removal under visible light irradiation

Developing new photocatalysts to achieve efficient removal of phthalate esters (PAEs) in water is an important research task in environmental science. However, existing modification strategies for photocatalysts often focus on enhancing the efficiency of material photogenerated charge separation, neglecting the degradation characteristics of PAEs. In this work, we proposed an effective strategy for the photodegradation process of PAEs: introducing vacancy pair defects. We developed a BiOBr photocatalyst containing Bi-Br vacancy pairs, and confirmed that it has an excellent photocatalytic activity in removing phthalate esters (PAEs). Through a combination of experimental and theoretical calculations, it is proved that Bi-Br vacancy pairs can not only improve the charge separation efficiency, but also alter the adsorption configuration of O2, thus accelerating the formation and transformation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, Bi-Br vacancy pairs can effectively improve the adsorption and activation of PAEs on the surface of samples, surpassing the effect of O vacancies. This work enriches the design concept of constructing highly active photocatalysts based on defect engineering, and provides a new idea for the treatment of PAEs in water.

Automated summary

Developing new photocatalysts with high efficiency for removing phthalate esters (PAEs) in water is crucial in environmental science. This study introduces a new strategy for the photodegradation process of PAEs by integrating vacancy pair defects into the BiOBr photocatalyst. The Bi-Br vacancy pairs not only enhance charge separation efficiency, but also facilitate the formation and transformation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in improved adsorption and activation of PAEs.